NOTE BY THE ACCOUNT HOLDER: THIS STORY IS NOT MINE!

WRITTEN BY KARLA GREGORY

BOOK 2

Chapter 8 – The Assistant Deputy Takes Charge

Diego and Bernardo rode into Santa Barbara just after five o'clock in the afternoon. They had changed horses twice along the way and had made excellent time. They pulled up in front of the Inn of the Roses and went in. The innkeeper did not seem to be as glad to see Diego as he had the last time he had been there. As a matter of fact, most of the people drinking wine in the tavern seemed to be looking at the two of them suspiciously. This concerned Diego, but he was tired and he did not want to think about it right now. All he wanted to focus upon was his duty to the Magistrado and the work he was here to do. He had questions of his own which he wanted to have answered by the little man in the Santa Barbara jail.

"I am sorry, but I have no larger room than the one you stayed in last time, Señor de la Vega," the innkeeper said. "And it only has one bed, as you know. If you wish your servant to stay with you, he will have to sleep on the floor." Diego was somewhat amused to see the subtle look of dismay pass across Bernardo's face as the mozo tried not to react to the news. "I can offer him a place in the stable to sleep if you would prefer," offered the innkeeper.

Keeping his smile to himself, Diego said, "The room will be satisfactory, Señor. Just have a few extra blankets brought in so that he may make a pallet for himself."

"Sí, Señor de la Vega," said the innkeeper. "Please sign the register for me?" he said, pushing the big book toward Diego. As Diego wrote his name, the innkeeper turned to Bernardo. "If you will bring your master's things we will get him settled in his room." Bernardo just looked blankly at the innkeeper a moment and then signaled that he could not hear.

"Oh, I should have told you," said Diego. "My servant neither hears nor speaks." The innkeeper stared at Bernardo. Apparently he had never met anyone with those characteristics before and he was startled. Diego turned and "caught" Bernardo's attention and made motions for him to go out and get the saddlebags. Bernardo nodded, smiling brightly as he went on his way to do his master's bidding. Diego looked back at the innkeeper and smiled at the way the man's eyes followed Bernardo out of the door. Addressing the innkeeper, he said, "He has his little idiosyncrasies, but he serves me well."

"As you say, Señor," said the innkeeper, not entirely convinced.

Bernardo came back in with the saddlebags and the three of them went upstairs. After the innkeeper left them with some fresh towels and the blankets, Bernardo put the saddlebags on the bed and looked around. He wrinkled his nose at the shabby little room.

"It is not the palace in Madrid," agreed Diego, "but it will do for now." Bernardo nodded and then made some signs about the cold looks from the people in the tavern. "Yes, I noticed that also," said Diego, "the innkeeper is decidedly cooler to me than he was the last time I was here, but unless it has something to do with Capitán Hidalgo's insinuations, I do not know what it means." Bernardo nodded. He remembered what Diego had told him about his last encounter with the Capitán. Diego spoke again, pointing to the bags, "Leave those things there and let us go to the garrison and report in to Capitán Hidalgo. I am anxious to talk to Tomaso." Bernardo nodded and followed Diego down the stairs. They went outside and Diego found the same little boy there as before, waiting to see about the horses. Diego was reminded of the young son of Don Alfredo who had been kidnaped by the imposter. He tossed a couple of coins to the boy and told him to take the horses to the livery. Then he and Bernardo proceeded across the street to the garrison.

"I am Diego de la Vega, Assistant Deputy Magistrado," he said to the sentry. "Please give Capitán Hidalgo my complements. I wish to speak with him." The sentry left at once and returned shortly.

"You may enter, Señor de la Vega," he said, and escorted them to the capitán's office.

Hidalgo lounged back in his chair as he faced Diego across his desk. "Señor de la Vega," he said. "To what do I owe the great pleasure of your company? Have you returned to tour our lovely hills once again?"

Diego stilled his irritation with this man. It would not do to become angry. He had a job to do and he would not let Hidalgo's sarcasm interfere. He pulled out the document from Santiago and handed it to Hidalgo. "I believe you will find what you need to know about my visit in there," he said.

Hidalgo broke the seal on the paper and his brow furrowed as he read. "I am to give you every cooperation for your interrogation of the prisoner," he mumbled. "You are to have everything you need to carry out any investigation you may wish to make. I am to provide a military courier to send reports to the Magistrado . . . ." He trailed off as he finished the note. Waving the paper angrily, Hidalgo said, "I do not know how you arranged this, Señor, but it seems I have no choice in the matter. Very well. Interrogate the prisoner. Investigate what you will. It will cost me nothing and will merely be a waste of your time."

"Graciás, Capitán," said Diego, deciding to remain polite because he knew it would prick Hidalgo. "The Magistrado will be most pleased with your cooperation. Now, may I ask why you arrested Tomaso last night? What are the charges against him?"

"He was caught stealing some food from one of our merchants like the little thief he is," said Hidalgo with some satisfaction. "He had meat, cheese, bread and several bottles of wine, enough to feed several men," he paused, and narrowed his eyes, "or to feed one outlaw for many days. I am, of course, speaking of your masked friend."

Diego refused to be baited. Calmly, he replied, "That man is not my friend, Capitán. I have made that clear. Now, where is the prisoner? I should like to question him right away."

Hidalgo glared at him for a moment. Diego did not back down, but neither did he do anything to further upset the man. Finally, Hidalgo said, "He is out there in my jail, Señor." Turning toward the door, he shouted, "Fuentes!" A soldier appeared at the door. Hidalgo threw a ring of keys at the soldier, who nearly dropped them. "Fuentes, you will take this man and, . . and,. . . just who is he?" he said, pointing at Bernardo. Bernardo acted as though Hidalgo was pointing to someone behind him and turned to look.

"Oh, he is my deaf and dumb servant, Bernardo," said Diego calmly, as Bernardo looked back at Hidalgo in a confused state. "I brought him with me to Santa Barbara this time. I do not like to leave him by himself when we are in a strange town, so I am keeping him close at hand."

"Deaf is he?" said Hidalgo. "Can you prove that?"

"Must I prove it?" challenged Diego, tired of Hidalgo at last. "I have said it and that should be sufficient. Really, Capitán. Señor Santiago, the Magistrado, knows all about Bernardo and can vouch for him if you think that is necessary." Hidalgo did not seem happy with that answer, but when was the Capitán ever happy, Diego asked himself.

Hidalgo waived his hand dismissively and said, "Never mind, Señor Assistant Deputy. Go. Conduct your interrogation. But do not let your servant wander off. He might get hurt. This is a military post, not the hacienda of a rich man's son."

Bernardo could see the tension settling between Diego's shoulders as the Capitán made his remarks. Diego had told him of Hidalgo's poor attitude concerning the deputy magistrado. He could also see the subtle clenching of the jaws which marked Diego's iron control over his emotions. Diego was his father's son in many ways. However, his sojourn as Zorro and consequently his masquerade as the bookish Diego had given him the ability to let things roll off when there was more to be gained by holding his temper.

Diego simply bowed to Hidalgo and said, "Capitán," as he turned to leave the office. He motioned to Bernardo, who trailed closely behind him. They followed Fuentes over to the jail cells. Diego could see a small man standing at the bars of one of the cells, watching him as he approached. It was Tomaso. "Open the cell," he said to Fuentes. While the soldier unlocked the door, Diego motioned Bernardo to stay outside, but to stay near. Diego found it interesting that, even though Hidalgo had stayed behind in his office, he now walked over to take up a position near the cell, standing feet apart, arms crossed. His curiosity must have gotten the better of him. Diego entered the cell and the guard closed the door behind him, locking it again. Fuentes then took up a position a few feet away from the cell, near Hidalgo.

The little man looked nervously at the soldiers before returning to look at Diego. "Señor de la Vega, you have come to help me?" Tomaso asked hopefully.

"I have come to ask you some questions," said Diego. "Please, sit down." Both men sat down on the hard cot which served as the jail's seating and bedding. "Now. Tell me what you were doing when you were arrested." Diego wanted to compare Tomaso's answer to Hidalgo's account of the situation.

"Truly nothing, Señor Deputy! I am innocent," Tomaso proclaimed, then he ducked his head as he glanced nervously at Hidalgo.

Diego just looked steadily at him.

Tomaso could not look Diego in the eyes and it was clear that he would not speak any more. He kept fiddling nervously with the corner of his jacket, stealing looks at Hidalgo. Diego knew he must do something. He rose and went to the bars. "Capitán, I will not be able to get anywhere with this man while you are standing there. Please, return to your office and allow me to question the prisoner." At Hidalgo's scowl, he said firmly, "That is an order, Capitán. And take Fuentes with you." Hidalgo clenched his fists and anger clouded his face. He opened his mouth, then closed it as he stalked back to his office, motioning angrily for Fuentes to follow him. Diego was thankful the Magistrado's orders had been so specific as to his authority to conduct the questioning. Those orders were apparently the only thing keeping Hidalgo in check.

He turned back to Tomaso. "All right. The Capitán is gone. Now tell me, what were you doing when you were arrested?"

Tomaso looked around as though to reassure himself that Hidalgo was nowhere about. "I might have been carrying a bag full of provisions," he allowed.

"And might you have paid for these provisions?" asked Diego.

"It could be I had forgotten to bring any money, Señor Deputy," Tomaso said with a shy smile.

"Just who were these provisions for?" asked Diego.

"For me?" Tomaso put forth hopefully. At Diego's negative shaking of the head, Tomaso sighed and confirmed, "They were for someone else."

"Who?"

"Señor Deputy," said Tomaso. "I do not wish to mention any names here." He looked around the garrison and focused on Bernardo. "There are too many ears."

Diego looked at the little man for a moment, then leaned closer and said, "Do not worry about my servant, he cannot hear. Were you taking the food to the man you mentioned to me before? Behind the church?"

Tomaso glanced at Bernardo once more before he agreed, "Sí, Señor Deputy. It is the same man."

Bernardo had a strange feeling about the little man in the cell with Diego. Something nagged at the back of his mind, but whatever it was would not come to light. He looked closely at Tomaso without seeming to do so, willing the thought to come to him. However, nothing happened. He continued to listen to the conversation.

"Can you tell me where he is?" asked Diego with hope. If he could find the imposter, he might be able to rescue the boy. And it would give him the greatest satisfaction if he were to be the one to bring the imposter to justice.

Tomaso paused a moment, before he answered. "I am afraid, Señor."

"Would your fears be eased if I told you I will do what I can to help you?" asked Diego. "It may be that I can find a way to set you free." Diego did not know if his authority extended to this degree, but he was more than willing to push it if Tomaso's information could lead him to the imposter.

Tomaso nodded thoughtfully. Then he stiffened and Diego said, "What is wrong? What is the matter?" He followed Tomaso's gaze and saw that Hidalgo was standing on the steps of his office with his hands on his hips, glaring at them. He made no move to join them, however. Seeing he had been noticed, the Capitán went back into the office. Diego knew it was eating at Hidalgo's insides that he was being excluded. He turned back to Tomaso who had fear written on his face.

"That man does not like me," said Tomaso. "I think he will find a way to have me hanged if I do not get out of here."

"Just what did you do to him to make him dislike you so?" asked Diego.

Tomaso said, "I slipped through his fingers the last time he caught me. I think I made him look like a fool in front of his men and some of the townspeople. I know he will never forgive me for that. He is too proud. If he had not been waiting for the Magistrado to come, he might have killed me already. But you have come instead." He paused. "He does not like you either," he told Diego.

"What makes you say that?" Diego was curious to hear what Tomaso knew.

Tomaso shrugged. "Some nonsense about you being found in the hills with a certain man who wears a mask," he smiled slyly. "Capitán Hidalgo is angry because he has not been able to capture that man and blames everyone but himself. There are many who listen to what he has to say about you, Señor. I would watch my back if I were you. The people are frightened and frightened people can be just as dangerous as the Capitán."

From his position outside the cell, Bernardo was alarmed at Tomaso's words. How could anyone believe that his master was involved with the imposter? He was a respected citizen of Los Angeles and an officer in the service of the Magistrado. But as Bernardo once again considered the Magistrado, a sense of uneasiness came over him. He had always felt something was not quite right with Señor Santiago. There had never been anything concrete which he could grasp, but something always left him unsettled whenever he thought about Diego's relationship with the man. All he knew was that the Magistrado had been directing much of his master's life for the past several months and had put Diego in various situations which allowed him to cast Diego in a questionable light when there was no reason to do so. It was almost as if there was another man beneath the Magistrado's skin, hidden in plain sight. Bernardo considered this image for a moment. He shivered mentally, reacting just as he did whenever he saw a snake. How could he ever convince Diego of the menace he felt that the Magistrado represented? Bernardo had never felt more helpless.

And there was the remaining question. Were there any connections between Hidalgo's insinuations and those incidents with the Magistrado about which Bernardo had tried to warn Diego? At present, there was no way to know. But if Hidalgo was spreading lies about his young master, that was a clear signal of danger. There was no question about that. There was not much he could do about it other than to be doubly alert for any threat to his young friend. Bernardo doubted whether he would sleep very much while they were in Santa Barbara. He would do his best to protect his young master. His attention returned to the men in the cell. He still had a strange feeling about Tomaso that he couldn't put his finger on.

"Thank you for the warning," Diego was saying to Tomaso. "I will be careful. I have been given authority by the Magistrado, and I will leave orders that no harm is to come to you." He could well understand the little man's fears, Hidalgo's temper being what it was.

"Graciás, Señor, but if you do not get me out of here, I do not think your orders will be obeyed." Tomaso leaned forward as he spoke. "Let us be frank, Señor Assistant Deputy. Capitán Hidalgo has no more respect for you than he does for . . . me." He smiled knowingly. "He will do what he wishes and tell the Magistrado that it was just a mix up in orders. Please. You must get me out of here." He clutched at Diego's arm. Diego removed the man's hands from him. "Please, Señor Deputy," the little man continued. "If you get me out of here, I promise I will help you to find the man you seek. I promise!"

"Can I trust the word of a thief?" Diego asked Tomaso.

"I told you the truth as to where his camp was, did I not?" said Tomaso. "That should prove I can be trusted."

Diego nodded thoughtfully. The imposter's camp had been just where Tomaso had said it would be. It was just his bad luck the outlaw had spotted him first and then had been chased away by Hidalgo and his men. He looked at Tomaso again. "But how do I know I can trust you now? Just why were you taking provisions to him last night?" he asked suspiciously. "I thought you were frightened of him?"

"A man has to make a living, Señor," said Tomaso shrugging. "He promised to pay me twenty pesos to bring him some food and wine. Especially the wine. Besides, he would kill me if I did not do as he said."

Diego understood. It was exactly how he expected a man such as Tomaso to behave. Those at the edge of the law did what they had to in order to survive. This brought up another question. "If I get you out of here, how do I know you will not run away from me and never be seen again?"

"You do not 'know', Señor Deputy," said Tomaso. "But if you are to have any chance of finding the man you want, you will have to trust me. I want out of here. You want him. A fair exchange, no?"

Diego said, "All right. Give me some reason to believe you actually know where he is."

Tomaso said, "Señor Deputy, truly I saw him only last night and he had a boy with him. One he stole for ransom from some rich hacendado to the south." Tomaso held his hand out above the ground and said, "The boy was about this tall and had blue eyes and very light colored hair. He wore a dark blue jacket over a red shirt. Is that proof enough Señor, that I know what I know? You know about this boy, is this not so?"

Diego knew Tomaso had seen Eduardo. His description was accurate right down to the clothing which Diego knew from his conversation with Doña Florintina. "All right, I am convinced you have seen them," said Diego. He was also relieved to know the boy was still alive. It also meant that the imposter must be very near Santa Barbara for Tomaso to have seen him just last night. The Magistrado, his father, and all of the men who were searching for Eduardo near Los Angeles were looking for him in vain. He would need to get word to the Magistrado as soon as possible. He paused as another thought occurred to him. He had a personal score to settle with the imposter. He would like nothing better than to capture the man himself and free the boy. Not for the glory such an action might bring, but for the satisfaction he would get from knowing that the man who was ruining Zorro's good name was stopped by the man who had first given life to the masked man. It was only justice.

He looked at Tomaso again. Did he dare let Tomaso out of jail in the hope that he would take him to the imposter? Did he dare let the man stay in jail where he would be in danger of his life? Tomaso was his only source of information about the imposter and he could not afford to give Hidalgo a chance to kill him. He knew that to give Tomaso his chance would mean that he would have to confront Hidalgo and order Tomaso's release. It remained to be seen whether Hidalgo would comply. If he did, Diego's whole career with the Magistrado would be hanging in the balance as he waited to see if Tomaso would do as he said. If Tomaso produced the imposter, everything would be fine, but if he failed to do so, Diego was finished. Hidalgo would make sure of it.

As Zorro, Diego was used to taking risks. But most of those risks had been under his control. If he let Tomaso go, he would be essentially helpless, able only to wait and hope that Tomaso would keep his word. It would be one of the most perilous times in his life. For if he was compromised by Tomaso's duplicity, not only would his career as an officer with the Magistrado be ruined, but any chance of redeeming himself with his father would be ruined as well. He would be seen by his father as a complete and absolute failure. In his heart, he knew that would be a fate worse than death.

But then his thoughts turned to Eduardo. The boy must be frightened half to death by all that had happened to him. His life, too, rested in the balance. Diego closed his eyes. He was ashamed that he had only been thinking of himself while he considered what to do about Tomaso. He knew little Eduardo, and was quite fond of him, as he was fond of all of Don Alfredo's children. He wanted to see that Eduardo had every chance to attend the university in Spain when he grew up. He had here an opportunity to recover the child from the imposter and return him to his father's dearest friend. If he died in the attempt, or if he subsequently suffered great personal shame before others, what was that to the life of the child? Diego raised his head as his decision was made. He had to take the chance. He could not live with himself otherwise. There could be no other choice. He looked at Bernardo who met his eyes. Bernardo knew his decision.

"All right, Señor," said Diego. "I will see that you are released to my custody." Diego could see the relief in Tomaso's face. "I will go and speak with Capitán Hidalgo and make the arrangements. But remember, if you do not do as you say, you will be returned right here to this cell to await the Capitán's pleasure." Tomaso's smile faded.