Chapter 37

Governor Ramirez and Emissary Montalvo walked down the steps as the breakfast crowd began to filter in. The proprietor greeted them with a warm smile and bid them to sit at her best table. "Welcome to Tavern Victoria. I am Victoria Escalante. What can I get for you gentleman?"

"Gracias, I remember you from your visit to Santa Paula with Don Diego. May I present Governor Ramirez?"

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Governor. The special for today is huevos rancheros, café con leche, and torrijas."

"Gracias, Senorita. We will wait for a few more minutes before we order. Don Alejandro is a good friend of mine and I hope that he will join us when he arrives."

"The de la Vegas usually come in for breakfast. In fact, they should be here in a few minutes. Don Alejandro has been a second father to me, Governor."

"The de la Vega name is well-respected not only here but in Madrid as well. Alejandro is a fine man...a little hot tempered at times but I can not think of anyone that I esteem more than Don Alejandro de la Vega.. "

"I know no finer men than Don Alejandro and Don Diego. I do not know where I would be if not for the de la Vegas and their support. I will get you some fresh café con leche and some torrijas, while you wait, gentlemen," she smiled.

ZZZ

A few minutes later, Victoria greeted the de la Vegas and led them to the table frequented by the Emissary and the Governor. "Senor de la Vega, it is an honor to finally meet you. I have heard much about you."

"Emissary Montalvo, thank you for what you did for my son. Diego spoke highly of you," the caballero stated respectfully, "Governor Ramirez, it is good to see you again after all this time. I want to thank you and the Emissary for all you did for my son."

"It is good to see you Alejandro, after all these years. I may be the governor but I am still Jose Ramirez underneath all the titles, my friend," he smiled, "your son seems to be a good man much like his father."

"Gracias, Jose. That is high praise indeed. Diego is very special to me," the old caballero slanted a glance at his tall son. Thank God…I still have my son…

"Please have a seat. We would be glad to have you both join us."

"Gracias, we would be delighted. There is much to be grateful for…My son is free…the alcalde is in jail, maybe this pueblo will finally get the leader it needs."

"We both believe that new leadership is in order. My friend, I know that you would be the man for the job," Jose stopped to gauge his friend's reaction, "you have led the pueblo before…I think that there is no better person to become alcalde of Los Angeles."

"I don't know what to say, Jose…Surely, you want someone who is younger…"

"We want someone who has the best interests of this pueblo at heart…Someone who cares about the people…who wants to see Los Angeles assume its rightful place in this territory," the Emissary interrupted, "you have experience and integrity….All the things that Los Angeles needs right now."

"And what about Zorro? Will I be charged with capturing him if I accept the position?"

"Zorro would not exist if Los Angeles has the right leader. He would no longer be necessary," the governor slanted a glance at Diego, "you really respect this so-called bandit. Don't you Don Alejandro?"

"The man saved my life and that of Senorita Escalante…He has done countless things for this pueblo….sacrificing his time and energy to protect the citizens of Los Angeles. Yes, I do respect him and what he stands for. Whoever that young man is…he deserves to live without a bounty on his head."

"You haven't said much, Diego," the Emissary noted. The young man was far more outspoken in Santa Paula…unafraid to voice his opinion. He seemed more reserved…not quite as animated as he was when he had met him months ago….It was almost as if he were two different men.

"I agree with my father, Emissary Montalvo. Zorro has fought long and hard for the people of Los Angeles. He deserves his freedom…If it were not for men like Luis Ramon and Ignacio DeSoto, then the pueblo would not have needed his services. With a man like my father at the helm, I am sure that the need for Zorro will fade away along with the legend. Legends don't get to live peaceful lives, marry or have children. The man behind the mask will get that opportunity if he is allowed to…without the threat of retribution…removing the bounty will ensure that."

The older man looked at the young caballero. He had gotten a brief glimpse of the man he had met in Santa Paula…the fire…the passion…the conviction that shone in his eyes… Could Ignacio DeSoto have been right? There is more to Don Diego than meets the eye. You are a contradiction, Diego de Vega…Are you the man who is supposedly inept with the sword or are you really the clever fox in disguise?

I wonder what is going through the Emissary's mind. Does he suspect something? Does he believe that there is some truth to Ignacio's suspicions? A weaker man would have been intimidated by the self-examination the Emissary was giving him. I will remain calm…there is nothing to fear…

"Here you are gentlemen…I hope that you will enjoy your meal," Victoria stated as she served her patrons, "If you need anything else, Pilar will be glad to assist you."

"Gracias, Victoria. Everything looks delicious," Diego responded graciously.

"Thank you, Victoria," the old caballero stated as well. The men ate in companionable silence for several minutes before the governor resumed their conversation…

"Will you accept the position, Alejandro? Be the leader that Los Angeles needs…If you accept, then I will lift the bounty on Zorro's head, he will never fear reprisal from my office or the Emissary's rest assured," the governor stated.

"You drive a hard bargain, Jose but yes, I will accept the position. This is my home…I would like nothing better than to see Los Angeles flourish…I am honored by your confidence in me."

"I know you will do a fine job. You are exactly what Los Angeles needs, Alejandro."

"I cannot think of a better leader...This calls for a celebration, Father," Diego smiled.

"Indeed it does, my son." The caballero was happy with the way that things had turned out, "We would be delighted if you would join us for dinner tomorrow evening as our way of saying thank you. It will be a small gathering of family and friends. We have an excellent cook…I would be most happy to welcome you to my hacienda."

"I would be delighted, Alejandro," the governor lifted his cup to toast his old friend, "To old friends….and a bright future for the pueblo de Los Angeles."