Chapter 38

"A wonderful night. Isn't it Diego," Victoria glanced at the tall caballero, "Your father is going to be the new alcalde…you are a free man and all is right with the world."

"Nothing could be better than to have you dance with me, Senorita Escalante. May I have this dance, Victoria?"

"You certainly may, Senor de la Vega." The petite senorita threaded her arm through his as they walked toward the dance floor. The hacienda was beautifully decorated and filled with caballeros and peons alike who wanted to celebrate Diego's release from jail and Don Alejandro's appointment as alcalde of Los Angeles. "It has been an evening to remember. You must be so proud of your father. He is just what the pueblo needs."

"I cannot agree with you more, Victoria. With my father as alcalde, Zorro will not be needed."

"Whoever he is, I am sure that he will appreciate his freedom…I hope that he will be very happy with the life he chooses for himself."

"If Zorro were free and revealed his identity to you, what would you do, Victoria?"

"I don't know, Diego. My life has changed since then…I loved him…the dashing, mysterious man who appeared out of nowhere to fight for those who had no voice…but he was just a shadow…I never knew him as who he really was."

"He could just be an ordinary man…one who wanted to fight for justice in whatever way he could…"

"What he has done for this pueblo is extraordinary…his deeds speak for themselves…I admire what he has done but I wonder how it feels to fight for something and never be acknowledged for it…his family…his friends…they may never know the man behind the mask."

"Don Diego, would you mind if I dance with your lovely partner," Emissary Montalvo requested.

The tall caballero bowed as he handed her to the man who had saved his life. "I will be back shortly, Victoria…Emissary."

"It is a pleasure to see you again, Senorita Escalante."

"Gracias, Emissary," she smiled once more.

"Don Diego is a very fortunate man to have such a beautiful lady to grace his side…He is a fine young man. His spirit…his passion for justice are truly admirable. I believe that one day he will make a great mark on this pueblo."

"He already has…he runs the local newspaper…helps educate the poor children at the mission…Diego is a man of many talents…Once, I did not think too highly of the things that he has done for the pueblo but I realize now how much he means to Los Angeles. In his own way, he is just as much a hero as Zorro."

"You certainly have decided opinions for one so young," he smiled. I am sure that this one will keep young de la Vega on his toes but I am certain that he is up to the challenge…

"My father and brothers left the pueblo when I was fourteen. I had to grow up quickly, Senor. At fifteen, I was running the tavern. Being an independent woman has not been easy."

"I would suspect as much, Senorita…Most women your age are already married with families of their own."

'Owning a tavern has some advantages…I own property…I don't have to depend on a man to take care of me but I long for a family of my own someday. Most men do not like a woman who had her own mind but Diego is special. He likes me for who I am," she smiled, "I could not ask for anything more."

"You are a breath of fresh air, Senorita Escalante. Here comes your young man. It was a pleasure to be in the company of such a charming lady, he said as he bowed slightly, "If you will excuse me, I have a few matters to discuss with Alejandro."

ZZZ

"Your son is a fortunate man, Alejandro. He seems to have chosen a spirited, intelligent woman," the governor stated as he watched the couple dancing, "Hopefully, I will be invited to the wedding in several months' time."

"From your mouth to God's ears, Jose. I have waited for my son to marry for a long time…I believe that Victoria is the perfect woman for him…She reminds me of my dear Elena…she has the same spirit…the same fire…I think that Diego needs that."

"I think that your son and the senorita are well matched. Don't be deceived, Alejandro…beneath that calm exterior is the infamous de la Vega temper. You forget how well I know you old friend…I believe that young Diego is more like you than either one of us ever imagined."

"Why do you say that, Jose?" I wonder if Jose knows or at least suspects that there is more to my son than meets the eye…

"When I first met your son, he impressed me with his outspokenness…his passion to see justice in Los Angeles. I remember a certain young man who was exactly the same way in Madrid…a man who was willing to stand up for what he believed," the governor surmised, "What better way to fight injustice than to assume a disguise of some sort…to make people believe that you are something you are not? There is no need to deny it, Alejandro…DeSoto was right for once…Your son is Zorro."

Alejandro was at a loss for words…Jose had always been an intelligent man…I cannot lie to him. The older man met his friend's gaze directly…

"I thought so…Do not worry, old friend. The secret is safe with me. I have no intention of revealing it to anyone. In fact, I believe that Rafael has come to the same conclusion. I cannot fault your son for what he has done…The situation here was intolerable…He did what he did to protect his father and the woman he loves. He fought for this pueblo in the only way that he could. Diego is a free man and he nor his alter ego will ever be forced to take up a sword to fight injustice. The King has granted Zorro a full pardon, Alejandro."

"Gracias, Jose…from myself and my son. Diego means more to me than words can express. Thank you from the bottom of my heart," the old don smiled.

"I know that you will govern this pueblo wisely, Alejandro."

"You can be assured of that, old friend. I will not let you down."