Zorro Meets his Match
Chapter 11 – The Man Who Fights for Coin
Diego spent as much time as he could with his betrothed. He found the even the simplest tasks with her at his side were much more interesting. He sat playing his guitar while Bo, Buena, and Maria were rolling dough to make tortillas later for dinner. He at times left her side at night to take care of business on the rancho. Or so he had told her, something Alejandro had backed, but in truth he had gone to be Zorro, the few times that he was needed recently. With Monastario gone, there was less for the masked vigilante to do, but he realized ruefully, there was always a need for Zorro. He would have to tell her his secret soon, but he did not truly wish her to know. Not because he didn't trust her. He trusted her more than any other except Bernardo, but he wished to protect her.
Unlike many ladies of a ranchero household, Bo liked learning how to make the local foods that her future husband and future father-in-law were partial to. She loved tortillas herself and had been delighted when Maria agreed to show her how to make them and a lovely fry bread that Bo loved to eat with honey.
Though no one knew of their engagement except for Bernardo and Buena. Buena had come to her mistress's room bringing her fresh towels for her bath when she found Diego there holding Boudica in a passionate embrace. She had squeaked in surprise and tried to back out, but Diego was too quick for her. Normally a master who was kind and gentle, he had dragged her back in the room and made her swear not to speak of what she had seen. She had agreed and he had left to allow Boudica to have her bath in peace.
Bo had been nervous Alejandro would notice the ring on her finger and so Diego, wishing to appease her, had gotten a small thong of leather and looped the ring through and let it hang down between her breasts.
A few days later, Diego had taken Bo to the pueblo. She had requested to do a little shopping. She wanted some things to make a cool soup for supper. Even in May the days were becoming warm. Nearly all the cooking was happening outside to prevent warming the hacienda. She also wished to look for something for Alejandro's birthday that was rapidly approaching and perhaps one or two things more. Alejandro himself had come earlier to play cards with the other dons at he tavern over wine.
Bo was dressed in a lovely dress that was light and airy. Her hair was pulled up into a thick bun at the back of her skull. She had a long length of cloth wrapped about her head and hung to one side. It kept her face, neck and head out of the sun. Diego walked behind her holding a basket that she was putting things into as she purchased them. Normally such a duty would be for Bernardo, but Diego didn't seem to mind walking behind her. Bernardo was beside him watching what the girl was looking at. He gestured with Diego conversing about the odd things women would look at.
Diego had informed Bo that Bernardo also knew of them being lovers, but had quelled her displeasure in pointing out that the deafmute was very good at keeping secrets.
Bo stopped at a peon shop with produce. She lifted avocadoes that were nicely ripe, some chilies, chayote, and two pads of cactus that had been de-spined. Diego watched as she picked the fruit. Of interest to him she would at times pick the slightly damaged fruits that would be less money and for cooking it made sense. She also picked two gnarled gourds. It always amused Diego that she never seemed to want the best of anything. She also seemed to prefer practical dresses and decorations for her hair rather than the finest silks. Those she would wear for parties, but did not seem as comfortable in them.
Diego could afford anything she could possibly desire, but she seemed to like being able to pay for things with the coins she had. Naturally Diego and Alejandro gave them to her, but she seemed to relish working within her own budget.
Diego was willing enough to allow her to do as she willed. It cost him nothing and it seemed to make her happy which made him happy. She was still coming to terms with the fact that she would soon not just be ward to the richest household in the area and likely California, but would be the mistress.
After she had made her purchases, she tried on the blue cloth she had bought, seeing how it went with her dress, putting the one she had come with into the basket. Diego smiled at her as he passed the basket to Bernardo who nodded moving to take it to the horses.
"Beautiful." He praised.
She lifted the cloth. "I think so too." She said. "It will go with all my dresses."
He shook his head a little. Always looking for the practical side of things. She could have dozens if she wished. "I meant you." He said, hazel eyes full of affection. He lifted a hand to her cheek.
She giggled. "Diego…" she chided.
He sighed and leaned close, pretending to arrange the wrap about her a little better. "How long must I wait to have you?" He murmured so only she could hear.
She blushed looking at him shocked. "Diego!"
He smiled playfully at her. "What?"
"Later."
He pouted like a schoolboy at her.
She shook her head and leaned close to him. "Tonight." She whispered to him as she passed by him.
He smiled and caught the end of the wrap. She went to the end of the length of it and gasped as he tugged a little backwards. She turned to him and he smirked and came to stand before her. He bent and kissed her.
"Diego!" She gasped pushing him back in shock at his boldness.
He beamed. "The whole pueblo knows we are courting." He said smiled.
She shook her head. He was hopeless.
He chuckled and took her hand. He kissed it giving her a look over it that told her it was just as well they were in public. Had they been home he may have given all the servants a thrill by backing her against a table and lifting her to have his way.
He then took a breath calming himself as he placed her hand at his elbow. They walked to the tavern to have refreshments before heading home. He opened the door and she stepped in and he followed. She spotted Alejandro. Diego smiled seeing his father also and they walked forward to the table with the dons. Diego noticed a couple men looking appreciatively at Bo and he set a hand to the small of her back in quiet possession. They took the hind.
"Hello father." Diego said.
"Ah, Diego." Alejandro asked.
Diego was about to sit when he heard a commotion outside on the patio. "Excuse me." He said, his curiosity getting the better of him as he walked out the door.
Bo smiled after him and then looked at the dons. "Do you have room for one more?" She asked.
All the men rose to their feet seeing her there. She dipped her head to them.
Don Marco looked up. "Well, buenas dias, Senorita Boo-da-ka." He said. He smiled. "The game is a little complicated."
Alejandro smiled as Bo sat down. The men seated themselves again. He handed the cards to her to shuffle and deal. She smiled at the men as she shuffles expertly not watching the cards. She looked at the small stacks of coins about. "What is the bet then?" She asked.
"Peso a round." Alejandro said.
She nodded and dealt the cards to them.
They went about getting cards to add to their collections. They placed bets. Bo took two cards and looked up adding ten pesos to the group. Alejandro's eyebrows raised as he concentrated on her cards, looking like she was trying to figure out what to do with them.
"Gentlemen." She said calling.
The men laid down their cards. A flush, two pair, a straight, a pair, and a three of a kind. Alejandro moved to take the pile of coins.
Bo reached out a hand and clicked her tongue. "I'm sorry father." She said. She laid down her cards in a straight flush. "Straight flush, high." She said.
Alejandro smirked and then bowed to her as she took the sizable collection to her part of the table. The men looked at Alejandro.
"You allow your ward to play cards?" Don Marco asked.
Alejando smiled as he was dealt his next hand after tossing a coin to the pile. "Of course."
Bo smiled a little. "You will have to excuse my most unladylike habits." She said.
They laughed at that relaxing.
Diego crossed the patio and discovered that there were several bystanders watching a stranger dueling a man of the town with rapiers. Diego watched. The stranger was very good, a worthy opponent, if he had allowed Diego to actually not be an idiot with a sword. To protect the fact he was Zorro he had made Diego a notable clumsy fool with a blade, though he was more watching the form. The stranger moved about, circling the man he faced, looking for a weakness.
The man from the town held a high guard. The pair danced about the patio as the people looked on.
Diego crossed to where Sargent Garcia and Corporal Reyes were watch the bout. "This fellow is pretty good, eh Sargent?"
"Of course he is good Diego." Sargent Garcia said. He paused and looked back at Diego. "Don Diego, buenas dias."
Diego inclined his head a little.
"Not being a swordsman you wouldn't know, but you can take it from one who does…" Garcia startled.
"He's good." Reyes said.
Garcia looked back at him as the stranger disarmed the townsman. Diego watched the blade as it clattered by him as he smiled at the banter between the two army men. Oh he very much knew this stranger was good.
The stranger put his sword up before his face in a salute as the townsman bowed to him. He returned his sword, bowing stiffly again.
The stranger looked about. "Who else would like to risk a small wager? Come do not be afraid gentlemen. I will not harm you. It is merely a test of skill."
"I know of only one swordsman who could beat this Senor Avila." Garcia said.
"You are absolutely right." Diego said leaning close. "Sargent Garcia." He gestured with his head. "Why don't you take him on."
"Me? Oh no Don Diego. I am not that good. Besides. I do not have a single peso."
A man stepped forward. "I have five pesos." He said.
Avila smiled. "Does it have to be so small? Make it ten perhaps." He suggested.
"Five is all I have."
Avila dipped his head in acknowledgement. Avila got into position as the other man pulled on his glove and then made ready. A man stepped to the side and dropped a white handkerchief signaling the start of the duel.
They crossed and parried a few times. The townsman crossed over his body and did not react fast enough as he found Avila's sword to his breast. He spread his hands, startled. "I yield." He said.
The gathered group clapped as Avila again saluted him.
"Who else gentlemen?" Avila asked. "Come, come. Surely there must be one swordsman among you."
The man beside him nodded to Diego who was there watching.
"How about you Senor?" Avila asked walking to Diego who stood casually with his arms folded. "You do not wear any scars. Therefore I must assume that you are an expert with a sword."
"Well Senor, you may also say that I do not wear scars because I do not fight." Diego said.
Garcia nodded. "Senor de la Vega may not be a swordsman senor, but he is an expert at other things. Books, history, wine, music, conversation…"
"Ah yes, I seem to have heard of your reputation." Avila said.
Diego cocked his head a little.
"That would account for the lack of scars." Avila said. He turned away and spread his hands. "Anyone else wish to test his skill?"
Diego smiled a bit ruefully. It was just as well that Bo was inside. She might think to try against this man for the sheer shock value of it. She did not have any skill with a blade so far as what Diego knew, but she might do it just to see Avila's reaction after the insult he gave Diego about being a rather soft intellectual.
Avila turned looked about and then shrugged. The onlookers then moved to depart.
Diego and Garcia then walked in together to share a bottle of wine after Garcia borrowed a peso from Reyes.
Avila and his second watched them pass. "At this rate we will never reach San Juan." Avila said lifting the small coin purse he had. We must get a large sum of money, quickly."
"What better way than de la Vega. His father is the wealthiest don in this part of the country. And they say his sister is a beautiful red-haired spitfire."
"You mean provoke him into a duel?"
"Why not, you have done it before."
"Yeah, but the young one is soft." Avila said. "I doubt he would fight to protect the family honor. Though perhaps the sister is a way to get to him…" He pulled on his jacket and shook his head. "She has red hair you say? A half sister then?"
"De la Vega's ward." The second said. "And he is quite close to her. Some say he is even courting her."
"I must see this little spit-fire then." He arched an eyebrow. "But you think that pursuing her would provoke him?"
"Ah, but Papa de la Vega settles the whole thing quietly for a nice sum. Ah?"
Avila beamed and nodded. That was an idea.
Inside, Diego walked to where Bo was seated with the men. She had a rather impressive stack of coin before her, though this round she seemed to have lost as Alejandro laughed in triumph.
Diego smiled. "Careful, Senores, he is a sly old fox when it comes to the cards." He said looking at his father.
"Sly enough to teach you and Boudica a few tricks, my son. Will you not join us before Bo takes all our pesos?" Alejandro answered.
"Perhaps later father, but ah, right now Sargent Garcia is going to play host." He said pointing to the Sargent seated.
All the men looked over at the Sargent who smiled at them.
"Oh really?" Bo asked.
Diego nodded. "He just negotiated a loan from Corporal Reyes."
All the men laughed.
Alejandro then passed the cards to the next man to deal. Bo rose to her feet. Excuse me gentlemen. I must excuse myself a moment." She said as the men rose to their feet.
They all dipped their heads at her.
Bo collected her winnings into her coin purse and handed it to Alejandro. "Can you keep this for me Papa?" She asked.
He nodded. "I should be charging you interest, my child for how much you have won from me." He said smiling at her taking it.
"You never pay for keeps at the hacienda." She smiled at him.
"I know better." He said playfully.
She rolled her eyes. "What does it matter? It is all your money anyway."
He shook his head and watched as she moved to walk away and the men sat down.
Avila walked in with the other man. He looked about and spotted the elder de le Vega with the men. The younger was nearby with the Sargent. Missing was the auburn haired one. He waited a moment as Bo walked back inside and he watched her. She had lowered the blue cloth revealing her thick beautiful red-brown hair. He looked at his second who nodded. The girl was not passed twenty and very pretty. He would not mind being with her. It had been lonely on the road and he not had even a whore in months.
He took a breath and walked to the table with the Dons as Bo stood there, watching them. The men did not rise since she had waved it off. She did not like the full customary pomp and circumstance for lady of the upper class. Though not born into the class, she was rather firmly in it being Alejandro's ward and Diego's secret lover and fiancée.
Alejandro looked up at her, returning her coin purse. "Are you going to rejoin us, my dear?" He asked.
Bo smiled. "Gracias, no, Papa." She looked at the men. "I want to be able to be accepted at the dons home again so I do not wish to win all their money."
The men laughed and dipped their heads at her as she moved to walk toward Diego who was speaking to the Sargent. However, Avila caught her arm. "Who are you, angel who has fallen to earth? Tell me what your name is sweet lady." He said.
Bo looked at him and down at his hand. He let her go almost instantly. She shook her head. "Senorita Boudica when their sober, a jilt when they are into their drink, but never a lady." She said looking at him.
He chuckled and bowed to her. "A pleasure Senorita." He said. "I hope to meet you again."
"You should be so lucky." She said icily.
She was indeed a spit-fire. He walked to the don table as Bo came to the table with the Sargent and Diego. It was a small table for two. Diego smiled and turned patting his lap. She smiled and sat down on his thigh as his arm wrapped about her to keep her secure.
"Are you done hassling the men then Bo?" He asked reaching up to tuck a wayward bit of her hair back behind her ear.
The affectionate gesture was not lost of the Sargent. She chuckled at Diego. She reached forward to take his cup and took a drink of the wine in it. Diego did not flinch as she sat there her small legs between his own, his hand against her hip.
"Buenas dias Senores." Avila said looking at the dons and the vacated place left by Bo. "May I join you?"
Alejandro looked at the other dons and then shook his head. "I'm sorry. The chair is occupied."
"On the contrary, it seems quite empty."
Alejandro shifted and put his hat down on the seat. "I said the chair was occupied Senor." He said in a slightly annoyed voice. "Boudica will be returning in a moment. She wished to have some wine."
Avila looked over seeing her perched on Diego's lap, one arm about his back. "She appears to want more than that."
Alejandro looked up at him. "Careful, Senor. That is my ward you are slandering."
Avila shook his head and bent. "In that case, let us remove the occupant." He said tossing the hat back.
Alejandro rose to his feet pulling the chair from between them as he stepped closer to Avila. "You force me to use words, Senor, that I do not choose to us. We do not play with strangers. Now if you excuse us?" He said turning back to his friends.
"Just a moment my proud old rooster…" Avila said.
Bo had looked back. She saw the confrontation building. "Diego." She said softly in warning. Diego looked back over her shoulder. He nodded to her to stand in case he had to move. Bo herself moved toward the men trying to think of a way to deescalate this before there was a problem.
"What is wrong with a stranger's money?"
"It is not your money." Alejandro said firmly. "It is you. We simply do not play with strangers. Now move along Senor."
Avila grabbed the older man by the lapels of his jacket. "Are you calling me a cheat?" He asked. "I'll make you swallow those words old man."
Bo stepped forward. "Gentlemen. Let me buy you a round. It is warm and tempers are high and…"
Avila looked back at her and back at Alejandro. "So the beautiful one fights your battles also then?"
Alejandro knocked his hands off him and pulled Bo behind him to guard her. Avila shifted his weight and then struck Alejandro hard in the face with a backhand. He took a step back against Bo.
Bo tried to move forward between them. "You dare you hit an old man!" She cried reaching up and scratching his face with her nails.
Alejandro gripped her arms to pull her back as she glared up at Avila. "No Bo!" Alejandro barked.
"Oh! The little domestic cat thinks she can take on a coyote." Avila said looking at the fire in her eyes. He then looked up at Alejandro as the other man succeeded in pulling her back. Two of the other dons took hold of her to prevent her from doing harm to herself or anyone else as she struggled.
Diego came rushing forward as he took hold of Avila and pulled him to face him. "Let go of him, Senor."
"Stay out of this Diego." Alejandro told him, his lip bleeding.
"Yes, stay out of it if you know what's good for you." Avila agreed. "Take your little kitten to bed her. So fiery she must be an amazing partner and her blood is up." He touched his cheek. "But be weary of her claws." Two of the marks were bleeding.
Bo gasped and struggled. Diego's eyes widened. As if he didn't have enough fuel to defend his father, the man had just called his betrothed a whore."
Avila smiled at her as he reached for Alejandro. "Now take back those w…"
Diego had had enough. He grabbed Avila again, spinning him around he sharply back handed him, sending Avila backwards, falling over a table some feet off as Diego stood ready for more a moment. Everyone in the room was stunned a moment.
Diego took a breath as Bo came to him, panting.
Avila's second helped him to his feet.
Garcia looked at Avila as the stranger wiped blood from his lip. "You are disturbing the peace Senor. That is against the law."
Avila took a breath and stepped toward Diego who was watching him. Diego stepped protectively before Bo, keeping his hand out to prevent her from moving my him to attack Avila again. He could see the claw marks and his own blow was starting to bruise the side of Avila's cheek. "No man strikes me, Senor without paying the penalty. I demand satisfaction." He took a breath, moving his neck. "My second will call on you tonight." He said.
Bo stepped forward as Avila moved to go to the room he had rented as Diego wrapped his arms about her. He took a breath as he felt her calm. He scratched his ear as he turned to the dons. Bo moved lifting a cloth to Alejandro's fat lip.
Diego folded his arms as Don Marco handed Alejandro his sombrero.
"Excuse me, gentlemen." Alejandro said when Bo had seen to him. The blow would bruise, but the bleeding was already stopped. "We will finish our game another time."
The dons nodded.
Garcia came to them as Bo looked at Diego with sudden worry as she seemed to grasp the gravity on what had happened.
"I'm sorry father." Diego offered.
"Please, Don Diego. Do not fight Senor Avila. He will kill you." Garcia said.
"Is a rather heavy subject isn't it Sargent." Diego said folding his arms. He looked at Garcia. "If you can think of a way out of it, let me know." He nodded to his father as he gathered Bo to him. Alejandro gently rubbed her back. "Come on." He said nodding to his father as he directed Bo from the tavern. Bernardo was with the horses and looked questioningly at the unsure Boudica.
Diego waved it off as he lifted her up to her saddle. She settled, dress kilted a little. Diego mounted Phantom as Alejandro and Bernardo mounted their geldings.
Diego leaned over and patted Bo's hands. "It will be all right, sweetheart." He assured her.
She sighed and nodded.
They rode back to the hacienda. Diego helped Bo down and Bernardo grabbed her basket that he had secured to the back of his saddle. He handed it to her and she thanked him. Diego then gestured for the man to follow the girl as she moved to go to the kitchens to see Maria to make the soup.
Alejandro settled into a chair on the patio as Diego lit a cigar and sighed leaning against the pillar. "Do not blame yourself son, it is only natural that you would come to my defense."
"I don't know." Diego said spread his hands. "The trouble is father, I don't know when to think my Zorro when to act like me, what's expected. I just do not know anymore." He took a breath from his cigar.
"One thing is for certain. You cannot fight Senor Avila as Diego de la Vega." His father said. "Besides, Boudica will have both our heads for it."
"I could fight him clumsily. I have done that before."
"No. To survive against such a swordsman, you will have to use the skills of Zorro." Alejandro said.
"Risk my identity?" Diego asked.
"Better to risk that than endanger your life." Alejandro said.
Diego lifted a hand as Bo came back to the patio wiping her hands. She looked at the men and smiled a little. She came forward. Buena was behind her carrying wine and three cups. Bo sat down in a chair while Diego remained there he was after offering her a reassuring smile.
They talked, avoiding the subject of the duel until there were horses outside. All three rose to their feet. Sargent Garcia and Corporal Reyes were there with fencing equipment. They were determined to show Diego some pointers.
Bo stood back, in the shade, watching. Diego seemed to be more acting with the gear than he really was showing incompetence. She knew he could not be that inept with a sword. He had been at a military school. She had thought it was he did not care to fight preferring to be a pacifist, but she watched now, realizing there was more to it, but she did not know why?
Garcia and Reyes dueled, in a rather comic way to both her and Diego's amusement. They then left and Diego joined her by the tree. She smiled at him as she stood on the retaining wall having jumped out of the way of the duel. He put his leg up and leaned on it.
"Well what did you think?"
"I think we need to teach you more. But perhaps them first." She smirked. "They seemed to be showing you everything not to do."
"Indeed." He beamed. He lifted his hands to her waist. "Now." He murmured dipping his head to her throat.
She pushed him back playfully. "Later, my love."
He looked at her piteously and she hopped down, ducking under his arm.
She wigged her finger at him as she went to go back to the kitchens.
Supper was lovely. Diego then went and began to play the piano to serve his nerves as Bernardo served wine. Bo sat near the piano, listening to Diego playing. Diego noted his father was pacing.
"Does my playing bother you father?"
Alejandro went to him. "Frankly, yes Diego. You should be concerning yourself with how to fight a duel, or rather not fighting it."
Diego looked up at him. "I am concerned." He looked back at Boudica who was watching. He looked back. "I just do not know what to do."
There was a knock at the Sala door. Alejandro patted Bernardo's arm and pointed toward the door. Diego lifted his glass and saluted his father before drinking it. Bo had risen to her feet and her hands on Diego's shoulders as she stood behind him. His free hand went to one gently.
"It is all right." He murmured.
Bo sighed allowing Diego to kiss the hand her held. "I do not want you to fight a duel. What if you lose?"
"Indeed." Alejandro said. "You will be well looked after Boudica, I promise."
Bernardo went. He opened the door.
A man stood there. "Please tell Don Diego de la Vega that Senor Piniella is here to arrange the time and the place of the duel."
Bernardo looked at him and then touched his ear and shook his head.
"Please come in." Diego said rising to his feet. "You have a message for me Senor?" Diego asked coming to the small stairway that led to the Sala entrance. He sat on the railing and folded his arms as Alejandro stood to the side with Boudica.
"Senor Avila will meet you in the tavern patio garden at twelve o'clock tomorrow.
"You can tell Senor Avila I will be there." Diego said. He looked over at Alejandro. "My father will act as my second."
The messenger dipped his head to Alejandro who returned the mark of respect. He turned to leave. Diego moved to return to his wine, but the messenger turned.
"Oh, there is just one other little matter."
Diego, his father, and Bo turned back.
"I do not wish to alarm you don Diego, but my friend Senor Avila is truly a great swordsman. He has killed many men. Thankfully, he is not particularly interested in killing you."
Diego smiled a little. "That is good. I do not particularly have any interest in being killed. If there is a way to avoid it."
Bo came to him and laid her hand on his arm.
"There is Senor. You are rich. Senor Avila is poor. You would not even miss the few thousand pesos it would take to satisfy his honor." Alejandro stiffened a little at that. The messenger continued. "He also is very lonely. He would consider the whole debt paid in full if you were to give the young Senorita to him for the evening. He would treat her well. Wine and dine her and be a true gentleman to her."
Diego's eyes flashed. This was the second time that his betrothed was to be made to be a whore. He felt Bo bristle beside him as he moved before her looking at his father whose face was dead white with rage. He then smiled and moved grabbing his arms. "May we show you to the gate Senor?" He asked. "This way!"
Alejandro took one side and Diego the other as they lifted the man and carried him and a quick pace to the hacienda gate. Bernardo opened it and they tossed the man out. Bernardo then shut the door and beamed as he looked at the men. The three laughed.
Bo came to them and Diego wrapped an arm about her and kissed her brow. "Oh Diego!"
"Hush…" He murmured.
Alejandro sighed. "Good luck my son."
"Gracias, father."
Diego gestured to Bernardo to do something and then go to bed before he turned to Bo. He pulled her to his side and kissed her tenderly. "You need to go to bed my little kitten." He said.
She looked at him. "But what of you?" She asked, her fingers walking up his chest.
He caught the hand and kissed her fingers. "I will come as soon as I can. I must see to the herds."
It was not out of place for him to do so. It was one of his chores to look in on the vaqueros and go out at least twice a week at night.
She smiled and leaned up. "I will wait."
He smiled as she moved to the stairs and went up to her bedroom. Once there, she looked back from the balcony. He waved at her playfully.
He turned to go see to having Zorro deal with Avila, but he heard horses outside. Garcia came in asking for help with a lame horse. Diego was a little annoyed at the intrusion since he was in a hurry to both be Zorro and to come home to join his lover in her bed until morning.
As he checked the foot, something hit him on the head, rendering him unconscious. They lancers carried his limp body to the wood shed to bind and gag him to keep him out of trouble.
ZzZ
The next morning, Alejandro was going over accounts when Bernardo came to him. Bernardo seemed upset and started gesturing. Alejandro lifted his hand. "Now, now. What has upset you Bernardo?" He said. Bernardo took a breath and then gestured. "Tornado is in the cave." Alejandro said. "Zorro…" Bernardo shrugged looking about. "Zorro did not come home?" Bernardo shook his head. "Zorro's cape and his sword…are in the secret room." Alejandro blinked. Bernardo continued. "Diego is not sleeping in Boudica's room." Alejandro blinked. "Well I hope he would not be." Bernardo facepalmed at giving that away. He shook his head. "No? Just sleeping in bed. He is not in bed."
Just then Boudica came into the Sala in her dressing gown. "Father? Have you seen Diego? He has not come home."
Alejandro stood up. "Something has happened." He then eyed her. "Why would he be sleeping in your room?"
She narrowed her eyes at Bernardo who shrugged at her. She gestured. "I do not care if he is missing. You knew better than to say that." She growled at him.
He looked down sheepishly. He gestured an apology. She accepted it, but her eyes flashed. She understood why he had let it slip. He knew well where Diego was at night when not being Zorro.
Alejandro paused. "So it is true!" He said sharply. "You are lovers." It was more a shock that they were lovers than he was actually upset. In fact, part of him was very pleased, though the gentleman in him would demand his son marry her very soon. Sooner if her belly began to swell with his grandchild.
She looked back and flushed. "I…ummm…"
He took hold of her arm. "Go get dressed. We will discuss that later."
She nodded.
He then called the carriage. He loaded Bernardo and Bo into the two-person carriage and then started at breakneck speed toward the Pueblo as Bo and Bernardo tried to hang on for dear life.
Alejandro went to the garrison to see if the Sargent or Reyes had seen his son. Neither had. Bo looked at Alejandro. "Papa, it is nearly noon." She whispered.
He nodded. He took her arm. "Tell me true, Boudica. My son shares your bed?"
"You want to discuss that now?" She asked startled. He gave her arm a little shake in answer. "Yes." She said. She could not lie to him.
"For how long?"
"A couple months." Bo said. She sighed and lifted the thong. "Please do not be mad at him father. We are planning to marry soon." She looked down. "I wanted to marry in June."
His face softened. "We will see him through this. I promise." He said.
"You are not angry."
"No, though I had wished I could have been there when he asked you. Renegade." He muttered. He then lifted a hand to her middle. "How are you feeling then?"
She was startled. "In what regard?"
He looked down at his hand and back up, arching an eyebrow.
"Oh!" She flushed. "I am not." She said.
"Not yet." He said. He took her arm and then went to the tavern. Bernardo went to investigate something having been suspicious of the conversation of the Sargent, Reyes, and Alejandro.
Alejandro removed his hat as they walked in. Bo noted it got very quiet. He went toward Avila, but Bo stopped him. He went to the bar instead.
"Right on time." Piniella said looking over.
Avila lifted a hand. "I handle money matters, remember." He went to the bar where Alejandro stood taking to the bar tender. Bo was beside him as Avila came to them. Bo tightened like a spring. "You have come to explain your son's tardiness, eh, Don Alejandro?"
"My son has been unavoidably detained, but he will be here."
"Oh course. In the meantime, bar keeper. Some of your best wine, the lady looks like she could use a drink. I should like to drink to your good health."
Avila leaned close as the barkeeper moved away. "Take the moment to my room and wait for me."
Bo and Alejandro stiffened.
"You are mistaken, Senor Avila. I did not come here to pay blackmail." Alejandro said. "My son will be here."
"Don't try to bluff me, old man. Your son has taken to the hills where he cringes in fear of his life. The de la Vegas have water in their veins." Avila said.
Bo lifted the wine glass and threw it into Avila's face and slammed the glass down.
Avila smiled wiping the wine from his cheek as Alejandro pulled her back. "That is two scores to settle. It will cost you double." He looked at Bo. "You are a wild cat." He said. "Are you tamed in bed I wonder?"
"I will settle the scores for both my ward and my son." Alejandro said.
Bo gasped. "Father no!"
"Come." Alejandro said walking outside.
Bo moved to follow him, but he was determined to fight. Piniella pulled her back as Avila moved to pull on his glove. He dropped a white cloth to signal the start of the duel and stepped back, dragging the girl with him.
They fought for some time before Avila forced the sword from Alejandro's hand and cut his arm. Alejandro hissed as he sat back against the fountain. Bo cried out and went to him.
"Papa!" She said.
"It's just a scratch Boudica." Alejandro said.
Avila held his sword to him. "Tell me you will pay."
"No!" Alejandro said, defiant.
Bo looked up at Avila. "Please. He is an old man." She begged. "This isn't fair and you know it, Senor."
Avila looked at her. "You could solve this whole affair, my dear. If you lowered your pride for one night, I would forgive all the trespasses against me." He smiled. "Who knows, I may even pay you for the privilege." He said taking her hand and kissing it. "Or if I enjoy you enough, perhaps I will marry you and I can enjoy your favors when I call on you."
She pulled her hand away in disgust.
He grabbed her hair and pulled her to him, kissing her fully on her mouth.
She slapped him hard.
He smiled touching his lip as she flexed her hand at the pain she felt from her hand to her elbow from the strike. "Little viper. It will be a pleasure to see you submit, and you will after I am through with you guardians. You will not have a choice…"
Don Alejandro pulled her back. "Your fight is with me, Senor. Leave my ward out of it. She is not a whore nor will she become one."
They crossed blades again as Bo watched anxiously. Again Avila disarmed Alejandro. He backed him against a pillar, sword ready to run him through.
Bo cried out, moving between then. "No!"
Avila smiled and lifted his hand. "Then say you will be mine and we will put this behind us."
Alejandro was panting behind her. "No, Bo!" He growled. "This fool isn't worth it."
"He will kill you Papa." Bo protested considering.
Avila nodded. "She is correct. Either she moves to join me in my room or she moves to watch you die."
"Senor Avila!" Came a new voice.
Everyone looked up as a form fully in black jumped over the wall, to a carriage, and down.
Zorro!
Bo smiled as did Alejandro as Avila remained where he was.
"Hold your sword Senor. Or you will pay with your own life." Zorro said coming to them.
Avila turned and Zorro took a light step back. "If you are done with women and old men, perhaps you would like a challenge." He smiled at Avila. "You make a business for fighting for money." He reached up and pulled off his cloak revealing just how slender and the full extent of his black clothing went. They were light and airy with his rapier at his side. "Now let us see how well you fight for sport." He said tossing his cape to the side.
"Sport and money." Avila said. "There is a price on your head Senor Zorro. I mean to collect."
Zorro smiled and dipped his head to Boudica. "Senorita. Would you kindly give the signal and then see to Senor de la Vega?" He said drawing his sword.
Bo nodded stepping forward and dropping her white kerchief.
The two went at it. Two expert swordsman as Bo moved to see to her guardian. Other men moved to help her as they pulled off his cravat and pulled his arm out of his shirt for her to bind.
Zorro parried and lunged, countering, reposting, and striking as Avila moved with him in a loud strange dance. Zorro then disarmed Avila and pressed him backwards. "Hey!" He challenged causing Avila to fall over a bent onto his back.
Zorro leaned on another looking down at him, sword to his chest, regarding him. "I still appear to be here, Senor." He said. He looked up and used his sword to drop a pot down onto Avila's head. Avila blinked to clear it. That had stung, but not handicapped him in anyway. "Now, shall we continue, Senor?"
Alejandro got up after Bo had bandaged his arm and went over, lifting the sword in his hand.
"Throw him his sword, Senor." Zorro ordered.
"He does not deserve mercy. Finish him." Alejandro said.
"Throw him his sword, Senor." Zorro ordered again, looking at him.
Alejandro sighed ruefully and did so before returning to Boudica as they watched. Zorro expertly cut once and then again, and eye for an eye before pushing Avila into the fountain after disarming him again.
Avila looked at him as Zorro stood over him. "If I ever see you again." Zorro warned, "I will kill you." He turned sheathing his rapier. "Amigos. I leave Senor Avila in your hands. See that he leaves town quickly."
Avila nodded in defeat.
Zorro turned to Bo. "Are you well, Senorita?" He asked. "He didn't hurt you did he?"
"No, Senor Zorro." She said though her lips hurt a little from the rough kiss. He nodded and took her hand in his gloved one. "Until we meet again, Senorita." He said before kissing the flesh of her hand.
She smiled. "Gracias, Senor Zorro."
Just then Garcia and Reyes appeared. "You are under arrest Senor Zorro. You must give yourself up. Please." Garcia said.
Zorro turned to them, one hand on the hilt of his blade. He dipped his head in acknowledgement. "As you wish Sargent." He said.
Garcia beamed and moved to make the arrest. Zorro, however, moved quickly around the fountain grabbing his cape on the way by.
Bo looked as Zorro moved to the wagon to get to the wall. She stuck her foot out, tripping the corporal and he landed hard. She looked at him innocently and then looked up at Zorro as he stood on the wall wrapping his cap about his throat. He smiled at the gesture to let him escape.
"After him corporal! After him!" Garcia gasped.
Zorro lifted a hand. "Adios Amigos." He said and dropped down onto Tornado below.
"Quickly, through the gate!" Garcia cried.
Bo looked at Alejandro as he had his arm bound to his chest now by her. He smiled at Zorro's antics. He used his free arm to wrap about her and press a kiss to her brow.
ZzZ
Back at the hacienda, the pair walked into the courtyard to find Diego with a cool wet cloth to the back of his head. It was a little bloody and he looked a little worse for wear as Bernardo poured him some brandy.
Bo went to him. "Diego!" she gasped.
"It's all right." He murmured. "It stings a but it is all right." He said.
"Let me see." She demanded.
He lifted his hand. She sighed and looked, probing a little. He winced a little at her fingers. She shook her head. "You will be feeling that a few days. You have a large bruise with a goose egg." She said.
He nodded. "Compliments of Sargent Garcia."
"What?"
"I do not think he wished me to fight."
Bo sighed. "Zorro ran Avila out of town."
"Ah. He always seems to be timely" Diego said.
Bo nodded. "Come Diego. Let's get you to bed. I will stitch that for you."
He nodded and sighed allowing her to lead him up the stair to his room. Alejandro smiled as he looked upwards. "He won't be thinking of that headache long." He said.
Bernardo looked at him.
Alejandro laughed. "He is my son and she is a beautiful woman." He said and shrugged walked away.
Bernardo smiled after him as he looked up also.