Chapter 36
Diego thanked the two dignitaries once again and allowed them to conduct the rest of their business. I am free…The risk that he had taken had paid off thankfully and he would soon be rid of Ignacio DeSoto once and for all…The men did not believe the alcalde's claim and he was grateful for the foresight and wisdom of the two representatives of the King. If things had been different... if Desoto had the evidence…then undoubtedly he would have been successful. Thank God, the alcalde had no proof despite his claim although true that I am Zorro. I must go find his father and tell him the good news and of course to share it with Victoria. He was a truly blessed man and would never again take his freedom for granted. It is time for me to live the life that I was meant to live…
ZZZ
"So, Rafael…Has the matter been resolved to your satisfaction," the governor enquired, "DeSoto was quite convinced that Don Diego was Zorro. Is there any truth to his claims, in your opinion?"
"I believe that there is more to Don Diego than meets the eye, Jose. The way you described his father…I think that the apple did not fall far from the tree. There is something about that young man but like Desoto I have no evidence to the contrary."
"You could not convict him without evidence. I know that you are a fair man."
"I am not foolish enough to risk all that I achieved based on circumstantial evidence…Whoever Zorro is…I believe that his fight was necessary," the Emissary responded, "With the right man in office, this masked bandit will not be needed."
"Do you have someone in mind, Rafael? Knowing you, I am sure that you have considered someone."
"Your friend, Don Alejandro de la Vega sounds like the ideal choice...He is a born leader, well respected in the community and has a military background. I can think of no one better, Jose."
"I agree. If Alejandro will accept, then Los Angeles will be all the better for it. What do you say that we bring up the matter with Alejandro?"
"Will he accept the position, my friend?" The Emissary believed that the man would be the leader that the pueblo sorely needed…
"I believe that he will…and if he does, Zorro will simply disappear into obscurity and perhaps, live a normal life."
"I will broach the subject with him tomorrow…The family needs time together to heal…after the ordeal that they have been through," the governor stated. "What say we have a look around this pueblo? And then a bite to eat at the tavern, my friend?"
ZZZ
Diego emerged from the back panel of the fireplace and stepped out into the library, glancing around to make sure nobody was watching him. He had spent several minutes talking to Felipe and filling him in on the latest events in the pueblo. He had put the young man's fears to rest and now looked forward to seeing his father and Victoria…The tall caballero strolled across the foyer just as Don Alejandro and Victoria came through the front door.
"Diego!" Alejandro took a couple more steps before doing a double take and spinning around to face his son. The surprised father hugged his son tightly. "What are you doing here? I thought that you were in the alcalde's jail….What happened?"
"The Emissary and the governor released me," he smiled as Victoria hugged him once his father had released him, "Ignacio had no proof. In fact, he is sitting in the very jail cell he had envisioned for me…"
It could not have happened to a more deserving man, Don Alejandro thought.
"Madre de Dios! I was so worried…Thank God that you're alright…that you're safe and back where you belong," the taverness smiled through her happy tears…
"Are you sure that you are alright? Son…you should rest…You must be tired after your ordeal…"
"I am fine, Father but I will get some rest," he smiled as he assumed his usual persona. Just to make you happy.
"Consuela will draw you a bath and I will ask Maria to prepare a special dinner for you…It is good to have you home, Diego."
"It is good to be home," he embraced his father and headed to his room for some much needed rest, "I will see you at dinner, Victoria…Father."
ZZZ
"That was a wonderful dinner, Don Alejandro," Victoria had enjoyed the company of the de la Vega men. Diego was not Zorro but he was charming, witty and intelligent. She was impressed by his gentlemanly ways and calm demeanor…
"Gracias, Victoria. I will send your compliments to Maria," he said as he slanted a glance at his tall son, "It was been a delightful evening. I have a few matters to attend to in my study. Good night, Victoria…Diego."
A few minutes later, Felipe excused himself as well. Diego smiled at their obvious desire to give him some time alone with the woman he secretly loved. "My father is not too subtle. Is he? My father is such a traditionalist that I am surprised that he is giving us some alone time. Would my lady care for a walk through the garden?"
"That would be wonderful." Victoria threaded her arm through his as they walked toward the garden. "It is a beautiful night. I am so glad that you are home, Diego. The people in the pueblo respect you….not just for your name but for the person that you are. You may not carry a sword but you are important to this pueblo."
"Even though I am not brave or dashing like Zorro?"
"I admired his courage…his passion for justice but I never knew the little things that made him so unique. We never had the time to get to know each other…the danger made our relationship exciting but I need so much more than that."
"And you will have more than that, Victoria. I want to share my hopes and dreams with you…Zafira was the first woman that I was engaged to but she is not the first woman that I loved," the tall caballero bestowed a tender kiss on her lips, "that honor belongs to you and only you."
Don Alejandro quietly closed the curtains not wanting to intrude on the couple's privacy. Well done, my boy…