Special thanks to IcyWaters for pointing out some truly embarrassing typos in the previous chapter.
DIFFERENT SHADES OF JUSTICE
Chapter 11
Teo was certain they were a sorry sight when they arrived at the barracks. Everyone was tired from the long walk. His feet were killing him, and his body was begging for rest.
"I will report to the commander. You're off duty until tomorrow," Gabriel said.
"Yes, sir," Teo said and let out a sigh of relief when the lieutenant was gone.
He noticed how Gonzales exited the office and approached him with a confused frown. When the sergeant reached him, he asked, "What happened? You were supposed to be back hours ago."
Teo gave Gonzales a brief explanation of what had taken place. Gonzales shook his head when he was done.
"That doesn't sound good," he said. "It could have ended really badly."
"We could have captured the rebels if the lieutenant hadn't decided to join us without a warning," Teo said.
Gonzales' frown deepened. "Join you? What do you mean? He was in charge of the patrol, wasn't he?" he asked.
"No, I was," Teo said, equally puzzled.
"But you left the barracks together," Gonzales said.
"Yes, but the lieutenant had a different task. It was a complete surprise that his group joined us later."
"That's strange," Gonzales said, rubbing his chin. "I'm sure I was told that he would be leading the patrol today. But maybe I misunderstood something. It wouldn't be the first time."
"I'm too tired to think about it right now. I'm too tired to think about anything right now," Teo said. On a whim, he added, "I have a bottle of wine in my room. Do you want to join me?"
"I'm on duty tonight."
"Shame," Teo said with half a smile.
Once he made it to his room and closed the door, it was as if all remaining strength left his body at once. He stumbled to lie on his bed and closed his eyes. It would have been a relief to fall asleep, but he doubted he could.
"Oh, hell," he muttered as he thought back to the moment when he had held the musket. Guilt and shame threatened to choke him, and he wished he could forget about all of it. Faces from his nightmares flashed before him, and he opened his eyes to escape them.
He got up and walked to the cabinet where he had the bottle. It had become a habit to always have one at hand. He told himself it was just in case he and Gonzales wanted to talk some evening, but in truth he emptied most of the bottles alone whenever he had the next day off. It didn't change anything, but it made him feel a little better for a short while.
I should go and see Diego, he thought as he took the bottle. They had much to talk about, and Diego would no doubt be waiting for him. It would be stupid to drink now.
His hand wavered, and he almost put the bottle back. Then his fear of Diego's reaction won.
I'll meet him later, Teo thought as he tore off the cork.
The next morning, Teo woke up to the sound of someone knocking on his door. He stumbled up to his feet, at first too dazed to understand what was going on. His head hurt, and he would have given anything for some water.
"Hey, are you there?" Gonzales called out from the other side of the door.
Teo supposed there was no point in trying to make himself look presentable. He sighed as he walked to the door and opened it.
"What is it?" he asked.
"The lieutenant sent me to – oh, dear, you look terrible," Gonzales said.
"I know," Teo grunted.
"Is everything alright?" Gonzales asked. Teo didn't miss how his eyes momentarily turned to the empty wine bottle on the floor.
"I'm fine."
"Carrido told me about yesterday. It... must have been difficult," Gonzales said in an apologetic tone.
Teo didn't comment on it, grateful that the sergeant had voiced his excuse in his place.
"Anyway, the lieutenant sent me to say that the commander is expecting you in his office," Gonzales said.
Teo groaned. The mere thought of facing Raymond now made him want to crawl back to bed. He doubted the commander would be impressed by his current state.
"I'll be there right away."
Gonzales winced in sympathy as he closed the door and left.
When Teo arrived at Raymond's office, Gabriel was there as well. The lieutenant had an unhappy frown on his face. Teo wondered what he and Raymond had talked about in private. Neither of them showed in any way that they had noticed Teo's less than presentable state.
"The lieutenant has filled me in on what took place yesterday," Raymond said.
Teo braced himself for the worst.
"I hear you refused to fulfil your orders and then failed to partake in the battle against Zorro. You're just as much to blame for his and the rebels' escape as everyone else, if not more so," Raymond said.
"I know, sir. I'm sorry," Teo said. He imagined how this conversation would go if he hadn't hesitated for so long, if he had shot Rico. Then Raymond would have praised him and told him everything they needed to end his tyranny. Then his hands would have been covered in heroic blood, but...
Would it have been worth it? He couldn't decide now. His heart was heavy with shame for what he had almost done, but he couldn't help but feel regret for the chance that was now ruined.
"By now you should know that excuses don't get you far here, Sergeant," Raymond said harshly. He paused, and his lips formed a thin smile that sent chills down Teo's back. "Still, this time I don't have a reason to be unhappy with you."
"Sir?" Teo asked in confusion.
"It's impressive how you were able to locate the rebels. And when it comes to their execution... It would have solved many of our problems if they had died, but that would have caused plenty of new ones. The governor general has grown suspicious, and if word of executing someone without a trial had reached him, we would have been in trouble," Raymond said.
"But, sir, I thought your orders were that -" Teo started, but Raymond cut him off.
"My orders were to capture the rebels. I'm afraid the lieutenant got a little too hasty when he ordered them shot. You were right this time."
Teo was too surprised to say anything. This wasn't how he had imagined this conversation to go.
"Furthermore, I believe I can trust you. The Lieutenant and I are currently planning something which might prove to be of interest to you," Raymond continued. His expression grew serious as he crossed his hands on his desk.
"Sir?" Teo asked, hardly believing his ears. This couldn't be right. If Raymond hadn't wanted him to kill the rebels, then what had been the point of the conversation he had overheard earlier? Had he missed something important? If yes, it was too late to retreat now.
"I'll be blunt with you. The governor general will arrive here in two weeks to inspect the troops. As I said, he has become more careful, so it would be in our best interests to get him out of the way. I have friends in Spain who would gladly see to that I became his successor. Then there would be nobody left to oppose us," Raymond explained.
"I... I don't know what to say." For once Teo didn't have to lie.
"I'm sure you realise the benefits that would befall someone who assists us with this plan. And the consequences for those who don't," Raymond said.
"Perfectly, sir. You don't need to say more to convince me," Teo said. If his cold smirk looked unconvincing, he hoped Raymond would think it was because he was tired.
"My, aren't you eager," Raymond said.
"Only because I thought you were displeased with me. I was afraid you had lost all your trust in me, sir."
"Not at all, Sergeant. I have known for a long time now just how much I can trust you," Raymond said, smiling once more.
After his conversation with Raymond and Gabriel, Teo spent the rest of the day in a confused daze. Everything had worked exactly like he had wanted. Raymond had given him a detailed description of his plot to kill the governor general. He and Diego would have no trouble stopping him and finding evidence of his corruption. It was unbelievable.
As soon as he got the chance, he visited the station in town and left Diego a sign that they needed to meet the next night.
Diego was already there when Teo arrived at their usual spot. He stood up when he he noticed him but didn't come to greet him. Even though he hadn't said a word, Teo could tell that he was angry.
He had spent the whole day thinking about what he could say to his friend, but all the good ideas sounded ridiculous now.
"Diego -" he started.
"What was that yesterday? What were you doing with the musket?" Diego asked sharply.
Teo could neither meet Diego's eyes nor utter a response.
"Were you going to shoot? Answer me."
"I... don't know. I really don't know."
"How could you not know? What were you thinking when you took aim?" Diego asked. He paused, like he had difficulties speaking. "Please tell me you knew I was there and that you were only bluffing."
Teo wished he could have, if only to put Diego's fears at ease, but he couldn't bring himself to lie.
"I don't know what I was thinking. I didn't expect us to find the rebels or that Gabriel would come there. I didn't know what I should have done," he said.
"You should have stood up to him and said what insanity it would have been to kill Rico and the others!" Diego said.
"I did, Diego! I did, but he wouldn't listen. He was determined to kill them. And then I thought that if I didn't do what he wanted, he wouldn't trust me anymore. It's so important that I win Raymond's trust that -" Teo started to explain, but Diego cut him off again.
"More important than the lives of brave men who are doing everything they can to help the people? I don't think so!" he said.
"But, Diego -"
"No, you're going to listen to me. It's important to defeat Raymond, but I don't want to do it by sacrificing innocent people. Zorro and the rebels were fairing well against the army before you got here, and we will keep fighting in the future," Diego continued.
"So, you're saying that my plan is useless," Teo said.
"No. I'm saying that everything doesn't depend on it. I don't want to lose anyone, especially men like Rico just to find out what Raymond is planning. It's not worth it," Diego said.
Teo knew Diego was right. His hesitation the previous day had been shameful. He realised now how selfish and blind he had been.
"I know. I'm sorry. It's just that... I want to help, Diego, and this is all I can do. I have nothing else to give," he said.
"That's not true. You don't have to keep up this façade. You could be an example to everyone else in the army," Diego said.
Teo shook his head. "It won't work. It's impossible to achieve anything that way as long as Raymond is in power."
"It would be slow work, but it can be done. Look at Captain Jekyll. He has made a small difference," Diego said.
"It's not enough for me. It would take too long. I want Raymond to fall as soon as possible," Teo said. Even to himself, his voice was raspy with frustration, but he couldn't help it. He felt like he were imprisoned.
"Why are you this determined? Or maybe suicidal would be a better word. What you're doing is ruining you," Diego said.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Then you're stupid. Or you don't even care about what you're doing to yourself," Diego said.
"What? That's nonsense!" Teo snapped, startled by how much Diego's words stung.
"How else am I supposed to understand this? I know you're suffering. You can try to deny it all you want, but I can tell when you're lying to me."
"Of course I don't enjoy what I do, but that doesn't mean that this is irrelevant to me."
"Then why do you do this?"
"We've been through this," Teo said. He suddenly felt tired, and he didn't want to have the same old argument again.
"I think we should go through it again. I refuse to watch you destroy yourself," Diego said. "Gonzales told me that you were drinking last night, and that it wasn't the first time. Whenever I see you in town, you look like a shadow of your former self. It's not worth it."
"That's my decision to make!" Teo snapped. "And what gives you the right to talk to me like that? Look at what you've sacrificed!"
"That's completely different! I can still lead a normal life and have friends, but you've isolated yourself from everyone and let them think you're a monster. You're ruining your career by pretending to be on Raymond's side. It could be that your whole life will be in shambles when this ends, and I will no longer watch by and let you do this!" Diego said, his voice rising with his anger.
"I have to do it! And you can't stop me! No matter what you -" Teo said, but he was cut off when Diego's punch sent him flying to the ground.
"That's enough!" Diego snarled.
"Do you think hitting me will solve something?" Teo asked, wiping his mouth. He winced at the taste of blood and the sharp pain in his cracked lip.
"Maybe it's the only way I can get some sense into your head! You almost became a murderer yesterday because of your obsession to win Raymond's trust! You have no right to take someone's life as part of your plans!" Diego yelled.
Teo felt his breath get caught in his throat. What Diego said was nothing new, but when he heard those words in his friend's voice, they felt like they were piercing his heart. He had been certain that he had to see his plan to the end, no matter the cost. At some point he had stopped thinking about the people he would have to hurt to reach his goal. It was the exact opposite of what he had vowed to do.
He suddenly didn't have the strength to get back on his feet. A muffled cry escaped his lips.
"Teo?" Diego asked in confusion.
"It's too late. I'm already a murderer," Teo said weakly.
"What?" Diego asked. When Teo didn't reply right away, he continued, "What do you mean?"
"I said that I'm a murderer! I've killed before, Diego! You're wasting your time being worried about my honour and well-being!"
"But... I don't understand. What are you talking about?" Diego asked. All anger had left his voice, and now he sounded nearly pitiful.
Teo closed his eyes, feeling dizzy. He already regretted what he had said, but now there was no going back.
"Answer me!" Diego said, and Teo felt him grab the front of his shirt and try to lift him up.
"It was in Spain," he said. "Not soon after you left, I got news that my father had grown ill and died because my parents didn't have the money for his operation. They sold the land and all the property, and it still wasn't enough. I couldn't finish my studies, and my mother died within a year."
"I'm so sorry," Diego said. He let go of Teo's shirt, and he fell on his back on the ground. "But what does that -"
"It was like I became possessed. I was so angry at the world, everyone. All I could think about was that if my family had been rich, none of that would have happened. I became obsessed with the thought that money could make me happy and protect me from being hurt again. My skills with the sword were the fastest way towards that," Teo said.
"You became an assassin?" Diego asked in bewilderment.
"A bounty hunter, but there's not much of a difference. Not all of my clients wanted their prey alive, and some men resisted capture to the end," Teo said. He paused to swallow the lump in his throat. "I've killed seven men, Diego."
There was no reply from Diego. Teo couldn't bear to listen to the silence, so he went on, "I was hunting a man in the mountains. I had to kill him, or he would have killed me, but that's no excuse. When I was done, it turned out his wife and daughter had seen the whole thing. And then... then I..." His voice broke, and he suddenly felt like he couldn't breathe.
"What did you do to the woman and the child?" Diego asked. His voice was sharp like a blade, but Teo knew he deserved it.
"The woman tried to kill me as revenge. One of my accomplices shot her. We took the child to our client, and he promised to take care of her. I don't know what became of her," Teo explained. He struggled to breathe evenly so that he could finish his story, but he was afraid he wouldn't make it. Tears were burning in his eyes.
"After that I realised what I had let myself become. I was horrified, and I didn't know what to do. I decided that I had to join the army so that I could try to do something good with my life," he said.
"And that's why you're so determined to see Raymond fall," Diego said.
"Now you understand. I have to do this, no matter the cost. It doesn't matter what happens to me. I've earned it. I'll be happy if I can just do something to help the people here, and this is the fastest way," Teo said.
He risked a look at Diego's face. Just as he had feared, his friend was glaring at him with eyes blazing with anger and disdain. Teo lowered his head. He knew it was only right that he lost Diego's friendship, but that did nothing to dull the pain.
"I wish I could punch you again, but I don't hit men who are down," Diego said.
"There's no honour lost hitting someone like me in any situation."
He heard Diego sigh. "God, Teo. Just... I don't understand. How could you do it? This isn't anything like you," he said, but Teo got the feeling that the question wasn't really directed at him. He decided to remain silent, not trusting his voice anymore.
"Did you completely forget about everything we talked about? Our dreams and ambitions? How could you let yourself become a... a..."
"A murderer?" Teo offered.
"Yes!" Diego snapped. "You betrayed everything that was important to us!"
"I know. I won't try to defend myself. Go ahead and hit me if you want to."
"Like hell I'm going to give you that satisfaction. But it's tempting. Do you have any idea how angry I am?" Diego asked.
"You have every right to be. I would probably kill me if I were in your place," Teo said. Despite the situation, he couldn't help but chuckle. However, he quickly regretted it when Diego spoke again, fresh anger in his words.
"Do you think this is funny? I don't. I'm so angry I could... God, Teo, what were you thinking?"
"I told you I wasn't thinking. Money was all that mattered to me."
"Not that! Why didn't you tell me about this before? You're my friend, and yet you keep something like this a secret from me!"
"I was afraid!" Teo snapped, unable to keep his voice down. "I knew you'd hate me if you found out what I had become. I didn't want to tell you, at least not before we had defeated Raymond. Then it wouldn't have mattered anymore."
"It wouldn't have mattered?" Diego repeated. "It wouldn't have mattered because you're determined to ruin your life so that you'll be arrested alongside Raymond when this ends. Is that it?"
Teo said nothing, but he let out a yelp when Diego suddenly grabbed his shirt again and pulled him back on his feet – only to finally give him that second punch that had been coming for a long time.
"You're pathetic," Diego snarled. "You can say that you want to help the people all you want, but this is really all about you."
"What do you -"
"You think that you can make up for your crimes by sacrificing yourself through this plot and that your suffering and loneliness will somehow be a fitting punishment for what you've done. You think you can earn your salvation this way," Diego said. "But you're wrong. Nothing will ever bring back those people. Your suffering won't do anything to ease the pain of those who lost someone because of you."
"I know," Teo whispered. He had known it all along, but it had been comforting to think that what he was doing had a purpose and that he was being rightfully punished for his actions.
"Then why are you this stupid? Why do you keep doing this?" Diego asked.
Teo struggled to sit up. How could Diego ask that? Didn't he understand even now?
"It's all I can do. When I saw the situation in San Tasco, I knew this was what I had to do."
"You're such an idiot," Diego said with a shake of his head. He stepped forward and offered his hand to Teo. All Teo could do was stare at it in puzzlement.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"To help you back on your feet. Don't worry, I won't punch you again unless you give me a reason to," Diego said. Despite his words, there was no humour in his voice.
"I don't understand. What... I thought you'd have told me to disappear from your life already," Teo said. He stared up at Diego in confusion, not daring to accept the offered hand.
"Make no mistake. I'm angry. It will take me a long time to understand all this and come to terms with it. I don't know what I'll think of everything in the end," Diego said. As he spoke, he knelt down so that he and Teo were face to face. "But I one thing I already know. I love you like a brother, and I will never turn my back on you."
The next thing Teo knew was that he was weeping, and he couldn't stop. He wasn't sure if he wanted to. He would never be able to describe the relief Diego's words made wash over him; the self-loathing and fear he had felt for weeks were suddenly lifted off his shoulders. He wasn't alone after all, and it was the most comforting feeling in the world.
He felt Diego wrap his arms around his shoulders and let him lean on him. Normally Teo might have found such closeness uncomfortable, but now he was grateful for Diego's presence.
"I'm sorry," Teo said hoarsely.
"No, I don't want to hear that," Diego said shakily.
Teo didn't know what to do or say next. Everything that had happened suddenly felt like it had taken place an eternity ago, and he couldn't get his thoughts together. Then he suddenly remembered why he had come to see Diego in the first place.
"Raymond," he said. "Raymond told me all about his plot to -"
"Not now. There's time for that later."
"But it's important!"
"It's two weeks before the governor general will be here. We have time. Right now I'm more worried about you," Diego said.
"You shouldn't -" Teo started, but Diego didn't let him finish.
"I'm worried about you. If you keep doing this, you're going to end up in ruin. And don't try to say that you already are. That you're so determined to make up for what you did proves that you're still the man I knew in Spain," Diego said.
Teo wished he knew how to tell Diego how much it meant to him to hear him say that, but he couldn't find the words. At the same time, Diego's support reminded him of how he had been hiding his deeds from the law all this time.
"It doesn't change what I've done," he said.
"I know. We're going to have to talk about this later when we've both had some time to think about it."
"I think it's part of Zorro's responsibilities to get people like me arrested," Teo remarked.
"Don't joke like that. This is serious," Diego snapped.
"I know. I'm sorry."
They sat in complete silence for a while. Diego was the one to speak first.
"I have to be honest with you. I don't know if I can accept what you've done, but at the same time I can't abandon you. I don't know what to do."
"You don't have to do anything. We'll continue like nothing happened until we've defeated Raymond. I'll probably be arrested for my involvement with him. That'll be justice for me," Teo said.
"No, it won't. It's not justice if you're arrested and sentenced for something you haven't done," Diego said.
"My punishment for what I did in Spain would be the same. It doesn't matter if the charges are different."
"If you think I'm going to let them hang you -"
"That's what happens to murderers, Diego."
He saw Diego grit his teeth in frustration. He could read the emotions on Diego's face so easily now; there was anger at his inability to change what had happened but also sorrow and fear. Diego had to feel like he was being torn apart. His friendship to Teo and his sense of justice were in complete conflict.
"Maybe it would have been better if I never said anything," Teo said.
Diego shook his head. "Nonsense. You should have never tried to keep this from me in the first place."
"You're right. Maybe you would have given me just one punch then," Teo said. He winced as he brought his fingers up to his chin. He'd probably have a nice bruise the following day.
"Are you alright?" Diego asked.
"It's nothing worse than what I went through regularly in Spain. Not only are you worse with the sword than me, but you can't even fight right."
Diego's laugh sounded a little forced, but Teo was glad he was trying. He got up from the ground, feeling a little wobbly and tired. His head was hurting, but he didn't mind too much. After what Diego had said to him, he was sure he could have taken much more.
"I think it would be for the best if we both went home. I don't think either one of us can think straight right now," Diego said.
"Are you sure? Raymond told me all about his plot to kill the governor general. Everything is going exactly like I planned. And yet I can't get rid of the feeling that something is wrong," Teo said.
"We'll talk about it tomorrow. The world won't end if we wait another day."
"Maybe you're right. I know I couldn't come up with any good ideas now."
"You had better get enough sleep. You look terrible."
"But I feel better than in a long time," Teo said. He felt his smile waver a little. "Thank you, Diego. You don't know how much you've helped me today."
"Any friend would have done the same."
Teo just shook his head. He doubted many people in the world would have reacted like Diego. Even now it was still hard to believe that Diego didn't hate him. He knew that it would get complicated later and that Diego couldn't give him his support when it was time for him to face the consequences of his actions, but that didn't matter. To still have Diego as his friend was more than he could have asked for.
Teo felt dazed and confused when he woke up the next morning. For the first few moments, he had trouble telling whether he was still asleep and what was dream and what reality. Had he really spoken to Diego last night?
He lay back on his bed and closed his eyes. Yes, he had. And Diego hadn't condemned him. He felt such relief at the thought that it was tempting to laugh. He would have liked to just bask in the feeling for a while longer, but he knew there was a lot to do. Diego still had faith in him, and he couldn't let him down.
He got dressed quickly and went out to the yard to watch a group of soldiers practise their skills with the sword. Gabriel was leading them and nodded as a greeting when Teo arrived.
"You look horrible, Sergeant," he remarked.
Teo's hand flew up to his chin. Unlike he had said last night, Diego knew how to hit a man.
"I'm afraid my lady in town and I had quite a row last night. For such a petite woman, she can sure pack a punch," he said with a chuckle.
Gabriel snorted in what Teo assumed was amusement and turned back to watch the men practise. At moments like this it was difficult to remember that the lieutenant was rotten to the core and ready to do anything for more power and wealth. He could have been an excellent officer and servant of the Crown if he had wanted.
But there was no room for such thoughts. Teo could recall it all too well how Gabriel's eyes had shone with eagerness as Raymond had explained the assassination plan to them. Neither man had showed any doubts about what they were going to do. Raymond's cold and logical tone when discussing someone's death gave Teo chills even now.
He frowned as he watched the soldiers. Some of them were loyal to Raymond and all too eager to abuse their power in San Tasco. Others only followed orders and had no idea what was going on behind the scenes. Teo felt sorry for them. It would be a shock to realise what they had been part of.
The same went for Gonzales and Jekyll. The captain would take it especially hard. Teo wished he could have gone to him and told him everything, but it was too much of a risk. Jekyll might lose his temper and reveal everything to Raymond. Then they would all be removed from service or killed and would never get the evidence they needed.
Besides, even now Jekyll might not want to work together with Zorro.
Teo worked through the day's duties mechanically and without putting much thought into it. He realised he was nervous about meeting Diego the next night. They only had about two weeks before the governor general would come to San Tasco. With the information that Raymond had given him, it would be easy to develop a plan, but Teo couldn't shake the feeling that there was something he had overlooked.
He expressed that worry to Diego that night, but Diego couldn't imagine what might be wrong. Everything was working exactly like they had planned.
"You're probably just nervous," he said, and Teo had no choice but to agree. Even now that he no longer had to fear Diego's reaction, he couldn't relax.
Diego hadn't said a word about their conversation the last night. Teo knew it had been his idea, but he didn't know if he could and wanted to pretend that nothing had happened. If only they hadn't had more important matters to talk about.
"What exactly did Raymond say to you?" Diego asked.
"He and Gabriel have everything planned. The governor general is coming to San Tasco to inspect the troops and to discuss some matters with Raymond. It seems he's growing suspicious about what is really going on here, so Raymond needs to deal with him fast. Once the formalities are over, Raymond is planning to invite the governor general to have a look at one of the check points in the mountains," Teo explained.
"And that's when they will kill him?" Diego asked.
"There will be an attack on their group. It'll be made to look like the rebels and Zorro are behind it. The governor general will be shot during the commotion."
Diego made a face. "Raymond will get a convenient victim out of him and use it to justify hardening his rule over the area," he said. "And with financial support from Kapital, it shouldn't be difficult for him to take over the governor general's position."
"He said he has friends in Spain who will put in a good word for him," Teo added.
"If he succeeds at that, there isn't much we can do to stop him. We have to make sure the governor general lives," Diego said. He frowned in thought as he went over what Teo had told him. "Do you know who will kill him?"
Teo shook his head. "He didn't tell me that much, but it won't be Gabriel or me. The two of us will stay behind just outside town with a few loyal men. That way we'll be the first to receive news of the attack and can arrive to take control over the situation before Jekyll or Gonzales get involved," he said.
"That's strange," Diego mused. "Raymond isn't one to do the dirty work himself if he doesn't have to. I would have thought he'd make Gabriel do it."
"Or me," Teo said. While it would have made ruining the plan much easier, he was glad he didn't have to worry about that. He didn't want to find out how good he would be at pretending to murder the governor general.
"It's possible he doesn't trust either one of you enough. Or he'll hire someone else to be the murderer and then gets rid of him. It wouldn't be the first Raymond betrays the people he works with," Diego said.
"We should interfere before the attack happens. That way, the risk that something will happen to the governor general is much smaller."
"I should interfere," Diego corrected him.
"What? No, don't even think that -" Teo started, but Diego cut him off.
"You have to stay with Gabriel. If you leave, he'll get suspicious."
"So what?" Teo asked. "I can defeat him easily. I can't let you face all the enemies and Raymond alone. It's far too dangerous."
"That's exactly why I have to do it alone. If something goes wrong, I'll make sure I'll have time to reveal Raymond's plot to the governor general before I die. Then you can tell him all the details. If you come, too, we might both die, and then all is lost," Diego reasoned.
"You won't die!" Teo snapped. The thought was enough to make him reconsider everything. "This is my plan, so I should take the risk."
"But this is my fight. I started this, and I'm not going to stand back and let someone else finish it for me," Diego said in an equally determined voice.
"Don't be a fool. You have so much to lose. You haven't even told your father or Lolita the truth. I could never face them if something happened to you," Teo said.
"My father would understand. So would Lolita. In time. This is how I want to do this."
Teo gritted his teeth. Back in Spain, Diego had usually followed his advice. Teo had been two years ahead of him in the university, and Spain was his home. He supposed that Diego had the right to lead now that they were in California, but it didn't make the situation at all easier to stomach. Diego was risking so much.
"But can't you see how much more sensible it would be to let me take the risk? I can dress up as Zorro. If I die and they take off the mask, Zorro's secret won't be revealed. And my death will cause far less pain than yours," he tried to argue.
"What is this insanity, Teo? Do I have to hit you again? Don't you dare talk like your death wouldn't matter!" Diego said sharply, and though Teo couldn't see it clearly in the dark, he could imagine the anger on Diego's face.
"It would matter less than yours. Don't even try to deny it," Teo replied, trying his best to remain calm.
"That's only because you have sacrificed so much for this plot. If you had been yourself, you would be a member of my family now," Diego pointed out.
"And a soon to be convicted murderer. Don't forget that."
"You have to stop with that self-loathing. You can't do anything to change my mind. Zorro will ride alone to save the governor general," Diego said firmly, and Teo knew he had lost the battle.
"At least be careful," he said.
"They haven't been able to get me in the past year. What makes you think they'd suddenly get lucky?" Diego asked. The laughter in his voice eased Teo's worries somewhat, but not entirely. Maybe he was just nervous, but the nagging feeling that they had both forgotten something wouldn't fade.