A Close Call
Summary: NWZ - Weeks after the events in „A Conspiracy of Blood", life in Los Angeles returns to normal. Almost. Some relations change and Zorro is thought to be dead. As he makes his re-appearance, though, he takes a bullet destined for Don Alejandro and De Soto comes looking for the wounded fox at the De la Vega hacienda.
Disclaimer: This story is inspired by the NWZ tv series. It is, as are the next ones I intend to publish, at least from my perspective, a form of therapy - since I was quite upset the show was not continued - and it is dedicated to all the fans out there. It is not intended to infringe on the copyrights held by Goodman/Rosen Production, New World Television, Zorro Productions, the estate of Johnston McCulley or on any others who might have a legal claim on the characters. The ideas, however, are my own Comments are appreciated!
Point of clarification: This story and the next three in the series (the minimum I feel necessary to find a satisfying ending), start from the premise that Diego did tell his father Gilberto Risendo believed he was Zorro but his father, despite having just witnessing him fight, was unable to believe such an idea and dismissed it as some other nonsense cooked up by his lost son in his search for vengeance. Furthermore, at seeing how distressed Don Alejandro showed himself to be at the thought that his beloved son's life had come so close to an end, Diego saw it best not to correct his decision not to believe that he and Zorro were one and the same, agreeing with his father that the notion was absurd.
Don Alejandro was, however, proud of his son's newly demonstrated skill with the sword, which Diego eventually let him believe was just due to his predicament: his own resentment towards Gilberto and the fear for his own life and that of his father. Eventually, Don Alejandro managed to even doubt what he had seen and his memory of his sons' fight dissipated, his thoughts focussing on all the conversations he had ever had with the one son he never knew existed, the hate he felt towards Senora Risendo - who was retuned to Spain in chains to face hanging for her crimes - and the idea he had come so close to losing Diego. As a result, Don Alejandro also found a new respect for Diego and stopped treating him like a coward, although he never stopped bothering him about spending too much time reading instead of looking for a wife. He was also of with Diego's decision to adopt Felipe who, although a young man by now, nearing his 21st birthday, was, from the old man's perspective, a true De la Vega.
Further clarifications: As the series timeline is quite a bit confuse (one of its rather limited number of flaws) I have decided on my own timeline, starting with Diego's return to Los Angeles in 1812 – as he was born in 1788 – and makes no sense to assume he went to university when he was in his late 20s (although Luis Ramon does mention in one episode that „these are the 1820s", which I chose to ignore considering Spain lost California in 1821, with a new Mexican governor being installed in 1822). Finally, I need to mention that these stories are meant to be considered as episodes for the show, rather than a short story.
It was a sunny day in Pueblo de Los Angeles, a few weeks after the events on the De la Vega Hacienda leading to Gilberto Risendo/De la Vega being shot by Alcalde De Soto who, by his decision, unknowingly saved the life of the man he had for a long time considered his archenemy.
Ignacio de Soto and Sergent Mendoza were heading towards the tavern for a late lunch, just as Diego and Felipe were entering the town, greeting some of the people in the plaza.
Oh, Don Diego! said the Alcalde at seeing the man approaching, some glee in his voice as, after saving Diego's life many people close to the De la Vegas and the De la Vegas themselves, changed their attitudes towards him. True, he did save Diego's life also from an instinct of self-preservation but he did not mind the recognition he was getting.
Alcalde, Sergent! Diego saluted at dismounting his horse. Felipe, he added turning to the young man, please take the donations to Padre Benitez and meet me later in the Tavern. I will go talk to the good doctor.
Did something happened, Don Diego? Asked Mendoza. Why do you need to see the doctor?
It's nothing, Sergent. Diego replied. I am merely getting some medicine for my father. An old war wound seems to be bothering him lately.
War wound? Asked the alcalde, for a minute forgetting Don Alejandro had been a soldier once. Please, tell Don Alejandro we wish him a speedy recovery! He continued
That I will, Alcalde! Diego confirmed with a smile reflecting both surprise and gratitude at the Alcalde's words, then took his goodbyes from the two men, set for Doctor Hernandez's office, while Mendoza and the Alcalde entered the tavern.
They smell wonderful, senorita! Said Mendoza as Victoria put a plate of fresh tamales in front of him and proceeded to do the same for the Alcalde.
Enjoy, Sergent! She replies, a lost look on her face as she returned to the kitchen.
What do you think is wrong with Senorita Victoria, Alcalde? Asked Mendoza as he launched at his meal as if he hadn't eaten in days.
Wrong, Sergent? In what way? De Soto replied, carefully taking the fork and picking at the food
Well, she seems…how to say…worried.. Explained the Sergent
Hah! The woman is simply busy, Mendoza. Look at this place! the Alcalde remarked, drawing the Sergent's attention to the fact that the Tavern was, indeed, full. This pueblo is becoming infested with these law class, dirty peasants, he continues, looking around, unhidden disgust on his face. No place like Los Angeles to make one miss Madrid!
Is Madrid very different, Alcalde? Asked Mendoza with naivety.
Different, Sergent? Oh, Madrid...Madrid is the...the absolute pinnacle of civilization, Mendoza! Its architecture, his shops, his fashion, the restaurants... Ignacio leaped into his memories
Is the food in the restaurant there as good as Senorita Escalante's? Sergent Mendoza continued his series of questions
You and your stomach, Sergent! Said the Alcalde, upset
As he said that, Diego and Felipe entered the tavern to find no empty seats.
Don Diego! Shouted Mendoza who was sitted facing the door and noticed them. Come join us!
The Alcalde turned, hesitated for a moment but repeated the invitation.
Yes, Don Diego, do join us!
Well, thank you Sergent. Alcalde. Diego accepted with some doubt, but convinced by the clear lack free tables, and sited himself next to the Sergent, leaving Felipe to sit next to De Soto
Don Diego, do you know what's wrong with Senorita Escalante? Asked the Sergent, happy to return to the one subject he cared about.
Is there something wrong with Victdoria? Asked Diego
Ah...Wrong! Really, Sergent! Why don't you concern yourself with more important things, like making sure the pueblo does not turn into a rat-infested piniata! The Alcalde replied
Buenos dias, Don Diego! Buenos dias, Felipe! Are you here for lunch? Asked Victoria, nearing the table, a pot of juice in her hand. I have made a wonderfull arroz con pollo. She added
Diego gazed at Felipe who confirmed with a slight bow of his head.
Arroz on pollo for myself and my son, in that case, Victoria! Thank you! confirmed Diego
Very well, Diego. Victoria replied with a distracted look and a clearly forced smile and headed to the kitchen.
Your son, Don Diego? Asked the Sergent on whom Diego's words were not lost.
Yes, Sergent. I have legally adopted Felipe. I just received the court decision this morning! He said with pride and glanced at his son. Than, his look suddenly changed. But I do believe you are right, Sergent, something does seem to trouble Victoria. He continued, suspicious at her lack of reaction when he called Felipe his son.
Oh, well, it probably just downed on her that her beloved Zorro is dead. Stated the Alcalde with a strange grimm on his face, almost betraying regret.
Zorro is dead? Asked Diego faking concearn
Well...most probably dead, possibly badly wounded. De Soto clarified. As you know, Zorro has not been seen since he rescued his horse from the garrison.
But Zorro made it out with his horse, Alcalde. The Sergent protested
Of course he did, Sergent! The man had more lives than a cat! However, you might recall that after that, The Emissary had offered him a truce if he would meet him at Devil's Canon. Zorro was not seen after that day, so, undoubtedly, he met with Risendo and felt right into whatever trap he had laid out for our masked friend! Remarked the Alcalde. In a way, I am sorry I wasn't there to witness whatever Risendo had in store for him.
If you would have been there, Alcalde, you wouldn't have made it to the hacienda to save Don Diego! Said the Sergent, gratefulness in his voice.
Yes, you did save my life that day, Ignacio. Confirmed Diego who still had trouble deciding his feelings towards the alcalde
He saved himself, too, Diego! Replied Victoria who neared the table to bring the food and overheard the conversation.
A fortunate coincidence, Senorita. De Soto acknowledged
So, you believe Zorro is dead, Alcalde? Asked Diego half looking at Victoria
Dead, injured…Something is sure to have happened to him if he met with Risendo. Said the Alcalde, a disappointed smile on his face.
Victoria's concerns became visible and Diego noticed it.
Well, Ignacio, perhaps he did not show himself because he has not been needed this last few weeks. Diego said and Victoria was thankful for those words, her face lightening up as if a burden had been taken off her shoulders.
That is true, Alcalde. Everything has been quite peaceful lately. No bandidos, no Royal Emissaries…said Mendoza. Ademas, Zorro is too smart to fall into whatever trap Risendo set for him!
Diego smiled as the Sergent said that. No, Sergent, unfortunately, Zorro was not too smart to fall into Risendo's trap, he thought, but, fortunately, he does have a very smart horse.
Then tell me this, Mendoza! Demanded the Alcalde. Zorro has come to the De la Vegas' aid time and again. If Zorro did not meet with Risendo and if nothing happened to him, how come he did not ride to their rescue?
That is a good point, Alcalde. Decided Mendoza. You must admit, Don Diego, if Zorro was alive, he would have most probably come to help you and Don Alejandro!
Diego watched how Victoria's face became once more dominated by grief.
Alcalde, I hardly believe Zorro not coming to our rescue is reason enough to pronounce him dead! He is a rather unpredictable fellow, Diego dismissed their concerns
Unpredictable? Don't make me laugh, Diego! Replied the Alcalde. He was more predictable than the Sun. It is your strange fascination with the individual that stop you from seeing that! Well, a mask, Diego, does not make a man smarter or better than he truly is and Zorro, I am convinced, was, for sure, stupid enough to fall into whatever trap your brother set for him. De Soto concluded making sure to emphasize it was Diego's brother who killed Zorro.
He is alive! You'll see when he comes back to plague you, Alcalde! Said Victoria in anger and went to the kitchen.
At the back at the tavern, four men were discussing. Felipe caught a glimpse at them and, by reading their lips, followed as much of the conversation as he could, since two of the men were turned with their back at him and the distance was too big for him to hear.
Are you sure the old man will come to town tonight, Antonio? One of them asked.
Yes, it is all arranged. Replied the one called Antonio. We will be waiting for him at the crossroad leading to his hacienda.
The old man will not be hard to kill but the son looks strong. He might fight. The first said with some concearn
One of the other two men said something but Felipe was too far away to hear and they were turned with their back at him
Yes, it is true. He is the big disapointment of his father. Week and cowardly. He will be less trouble than the old man, I can assure you! Said Antonio again.
As soon as Felipe was able to, he gestured to Diego what he had overheard and awaited a response with questioning eyes.
Yes, Felipe, we must do something. Are you sure you don't know who they were talking about? Replied Diego
Felipe shook his head as No!
There are quite a few haciendas near Los Angeles. Diego continued. I believe Zorro would better keep an eye on those men tonight. After all, the Alcalde is a bit too sure Zorro is dead so we should perhaps remind him that someone is watching. He might have taken better decisions lately, Felipe, but a man does not change his nature so quickly, even when faced with his own death. Tell my father I decided to remain in town tonight to work for The Guardian. I will take a room at the Tavern. You bring Zorro's things and leave Tornado at the usual place.
As they parted Diego returned to the tavern and asked for a room, then headed for the office of The Guardian where most of the work was, in fact, already finished.
That very afternoon, a note came, asking for Don Alejandro to ride into town to meet with the Alcalde at 8.
Diego! He shouted as he was about to leave. Felipe, he asked when he saw the boy in the library, where is Diego? Felipe signaled that he was at the tavern. Well, I shall see him there, I suppose! The Alcalde just sent a note asking me to meet him in his office at 8. God knows what he wants at such an hour!
Felipe, realizing that the trap was being set for the De la Vegas, went to Diego's room from where he rushed out carrying out something packed in a little blanket, then took a gun, which he carefully hid from Diego's father, and followed Don Alejandro out, offering to drive him by carriage and explaining he was intended to visit Diego in order to bring him some clean clothes. Alejandro tried to convince him to go on horseback but Felipe managed to convince him to get in the carriage.
Knowing that the bandits were waiting at the crossroad leading to the De la Vega Hacienda, Felipe tried to take a different road but Don Alejandro, considering he was already late, moved on the front seat, took the ropes from his grandson, and returned the carriage to the normal road, Felipe now powerless to intervene.
Meanwhile, Zorro, who had been following the four men from the tavern, soon came to realize that their intended victim was his father, as the men stopped at the point where the crossroad was leading to their hacienda. Dismounting his stallion, he approached the four men in order to disarm them but, before he had the chance, the carriage of his father got within the range of their pistols. Felipe, who was expecting them, wasted no time in pulling his gun and shooting seconds after they opened fire on the carriage. He hit his mark, causing the shooter a wounded arm. However, the bullet shot towards the carriage had also found a target in the horse, the poor animal rised to his back feet and then knealed on his front feet. Meanwhile, as the men were reloading, Zorro quickly disarmed them and, after a very short fight, left them unconscious. He then headed towards the carriage.
Is anybody injured? he asked his father
Zorro! Thank God you are alive! Replied Don Alejandro in amazement. No, we are fine. My horse, however, seems to have been hurt. He added, jumping down from the carriage
Zorro headed towards the horse and checked his wound.
The bullet hit his leg but it looks like a flesh wound. He said. Help me lift him to his feet and he will be able to take you back to the hacienda.
Don Alejandro! He continued glimpsing at Felipe with a grateful smile. The note you received was not from the Alcalde but from these bandits. He informed him just as his father was helping him with the horse. They planned on kilingl you.
But how did you know? And you, Felipe, how come you knew to take a gun? The Don asked realizing Felipe had fired back at the bandits and it was not normal for him to carry weapons. In fact, he had no idea the young man knew how to even use them.
It seems that Felipe likes to be prepared, Don Alejandro. You should thank him for saving your life. Said Zorro as Don Alejandro was preparing to get back on his carriage.
As he said this, however, one of the men, regaining consciousness, reloaded his gun and shot towards Don Alejandro. All Zorro could do was jump in front of the bullet to protect his father. Seconds later, he rose from the ground and disarmed the man with his whip, then left him unconscious once again, this time causing him a large wound to the head as it bumped into a nearby rock. Realizing that two of the bandits had escaped and only one other was still laying there, unconscious from their first encounter, he rushed to bound their hands and legs but, as he rose to his feet, he realized the bullet had wounded him in his left shoulder and he was losing blood fast. He stumbled on his feet towards the carriage and called up to Felipe who, noticing something was wrong, jumped from the carriage and caught him seconds before he was about to fall to the ground.
He is hurt, Felipe! Said Don Alejandro. Hurry, we must carry him to the hacienda!
Seeing that carrying him to the Hacienda was also Felipe's first instinct, he submitted to the Don's instructions.
They arrived back a little after 8, when the servants were already in their quarters. Don Alejandro made sure no one was in the house and instructed Felipe to help him carry the wounded Zorro to Diego's room.
Diego is at the Tavern when I most needed him! He exclaimed, and, looking at Felipe's gestures, he added: No, Felipe, we cannot call the doctor! Go bring Diego! He is much better at this than I am!
I am not sure we have the time, senor! Zorro said, pain in his voice. I might lose consciousness if the bloodloss continue. I can guide you through what needs to be done.
Don Alejandro hesitated for a moment but realized Zorro was right.
Very well, Zorro! I will do as you say. Replied Don Alejandro. Felipe, bring a knife, towels and bandages. He continued.
Felipe did as Don Alejandro said and was soon back with all that was requested.
Zorro's instructions and the Don's own experience at assisting his son in similar tasks led to the bullet being removed rather quickly. The Don was amazed at the masked man's capacity to withstand pain as his own previous experice with bullets made him quite aware of the pain Zorro must have been in. When the bullet was out, Zorro instructed him to heat the knife and burn the wound so that the bloodloss may end but, finally, the pain was too much and Zorro lost consciousness. Assisted by Felipe, the Don laid him on the bed and covered him with Diego's blanket.
I can stay with him, Felipe. Don Alejandro said. Go get some sleep, son!
Felipe, however, protested gesturing to Don Alejandro that he was younger and, thus, he would remain guard. They were both stubborn but eventually the Don gave in.
Felipe! Don Alejandro cautioned him before leaving. Under no circumstance you are to remove his mask. Are we clear? It might be very dangerous to know this man's true identity.
Felipe smiled and signaled, assuring him that he would not take Zorro's mask off and, with this assurance, the Don went to bed.
Felipe waited for about an hour, untill he was sure Don Alejandro had fallen into a deep sleep, then he headed towards the library, opened the secret passage and, confirming that Tornado had returned home, he went through Diego's experimental medicines, took a bottle containing a tonic and brought it to his room. By that time, it was almost midnight and he knew he had to act fast. He took a spoon of powder from the bottle and mixed it with water, than carefully slipped a few drops on Zorro's lips. The effect was almost instant as the man opened his eyes to stare at Felipe in amazement. Seeing he was awake, Felipe gave him the glass to drink and Zorro felt his forces returning to him.
They then initiated a half-talked, half-geastured conversation, Zorro being, of course, the one who spoke.
What happened, Felipe? I passed out? Yes, the wound hurts. I can hardly feel my left arm. I know. My father thinks I'm at the tavern. But I cannot leave the hacienda Felipe! The two bandits who escaped might decide to attack again. They might have already returned to free the other two and now there may again be four of them. I can't leave my father alone! Make sure the doors and windows are closed and get some guns! We might need them!
Zorro was almost right. In fact, the two men who escaped did not concern themselves with rescuing their mates that night, thinking they could not do so while Zorro had them. Instead, knowing about the De la Vega's close relationship with Victoria Escalante, the owner of the tavern, they decided to set another trap.
Victoria, who had seen Diego going to his room rather early that evening, was closing the tavern for the night when she was attacked by the two men. Pointing a gun at her, they forced her to accompany them to the De la Vega hacienda.
Meanwhile, the Sergent and three of his men, whom the Alcalde had sent on patrol to some farms up North, was returning and found the two bandits tied up and marked by Zorro. Happy to see Zorro was clearly not dead, mainly from a sense of pride for being right but also from a sense of friendship and admiration for the masked man, he asked the three lancers who were with him to take the bandits back to town.
What happened here, Sergent? Do you know who they are and what crime they might have committed? The Alcalde asked as the Sergent's men were putting the bandits in jail.
I don't know, Alcalde, but Zorro only does this to the bandits, so they must have done something bad! Replied Mendoza
Zorro! Hmm...We shall see about that! He said, unconvinced. Then, turning towards one of the bandits, he instructed in a severe, menacing voice: You! Speak! What happened?
Nothing happened, senor! You arrested two innocent men! Why are you holding us prisoners when you should be out there looking for the man who attacked us? The other bandit replied instead of the one to whom the question was addressed.
The Alcalde smiled, a curious look in his eyes as he stated calmly:
And who exactly was it that attacked you? You bear the mark of Zorro but, if it was him, which I very much doubt, what reason did he have to do so?
The look on the Alcalde's face made the men feel a cold shiver through their body.
He tried to prevent us from killing a don! Replied the one the Alcalde first asked.
Shut up, Juan, you moron! Said the other
What don? Asked the Alcalde
De la Vega. The man called Juan replied ignoring his cohort. We tried to ambush him but Zorro got in the way.
I told you to shut up! Demanded the other bandit
Zorro? So you've seen him? He... is... alive? Asked the Alcalde
He's the one who caught us! Juan replied again
If Zorro did capture you, why did he leave you there? Why not bring you to Los Angeles? Asked De Soto
I don't know, Alcalde! I think he was hurt when I shot at the don. He left us unconscious and they were all gone when we came to our senses. Juan answered as the other bandit no longer even tried to stop him.
And by all, you mean, the De la Vegas and Zorro? Asked the Alcalde.
Zorro, the old Don and a young man. Answered the bandit. The son was not with him.
I see. De Soto replied and, after a minute's consideration, he ordered: Sergent! Leave Sepulvora and two lancers in charge of the prisoners and gather all the other men. We are going to the De la Vega hacienda.
Why, if I may ask, Alcalde? Mendoza humbly voiced his concearn while following the Alcalde into his office. Do you think there are more bandidos trying to kill Don Alejandro?
No, Sergent. I think we might finally be able to capture a wounded fox! Get the men! Replied the Alcalde, a big smile on his face, thinking that Zorro's capture might finally get him back to Spain.
Si Alcalde! Replied Mendoza
As the bandits arrived to the hacienda, pointing a gun at Victoria, they knocked at the door, eventually waking up Don Alejandro. Felipe, who was on the lookout, spoted them and rushed to tell Zorro just before Don Alejandro left his room to answer the door. As he did, the bandits entered the hacienda and pushed Victoria into the Don's arms.
What is the meaning of this? What is it that you want? asked Don Alejandro confuzed at the bandit's decision to attack him in his own house.
What we want? Well, senor, we want your life! But before that, where is your son, old man? Replied the man called Antonio.
My son is not here! And you are mistaken if you think you can just claim my life and I will sit idle by, waiting for you to take it! As he said that, Don Alejandro, tore down a decorative vase and, taking advantage of their shock, dragged Victoria into the library, trying to reach for the ceremonial sword he was keeping on the wall.
I am afraid there is not much you can do about that, senor! One of the bandits said as he put himself in the Don's way, prepared to fire on him, just as the old man was flanking Victoria.
A second later, the bandit felt the pain of a whip and the gun flew in Zorro's hand who used it to shoot the gun out of the other bandido's hand.
Zorro! Exclaimed Victoria unable to hide her happiness at seeing him alive
Seeing themselves dissarmed once more that night, the two men than took their swords out and a fight ensued, a fight which was easily won by Zorro, who used almost all his remaining energy to defeat them. He signed their blouses and than asked Felipe to tie them up, leaving them in the hallway, by the entrance to the hacienda.
Zorro! Victoria repeated as the fight was finished and the bandits were left unconscious in the hallway. I knew you were alive!
I am sorry to have worried you, Senorita! The masked man replied, supporting his weight on a wall.
Senor, you are wounded! Said Don Alejandro surprising Victoria, surprise and concern in his voice. I left you unconscious but an hour or two ago! How are you even standing, Zorro?
As he said that, the Alcalde and his men entered the courtyard.
Surround the hacienda! Ordered De Soto loudly enough for the people inside to hear him
I must be going! Said Zorro.
They will catch you! said Don Alejandro. You don't have your horse! And you are injured! Let me hide you instead!
I am grateful, senor, but I see that the hacienda is surrounded. You should take the senorita and go to your quarters. I can take care of myself and I would not want the Alcalde to know you have helped me. He could be tempted to take some action I might later be forced to make him regret. Replied Zorro
I will not leave you, Zorro! Protested Victoria.
Please, have faith, senorita. Now go! He assured her
As he said that and Don Alejandro left with Victoria, the Alcalde and his men were about to tear down the door. Zorro fastly entered the cave through the library entrance, the pannel closing moments before the Alcalde forced down the door. There, he mounted Tornado, exited through the cave and returned to the hacienda, intended on distracting the Alcalde in order to prevent him from finding the blood-stained sheets in his room.
Meanwhile, at the hacienda, the Alcalde made his way in closely followed by Sergent Mendoza and 14 lancers.
De la Vega! Shouted Ignacio de Soto stumbling on the unconscious bodies of the two bandits at entering the hacienda. Where are you, De la Vega?
Oh, Alcalde! said Don Alejandro coming to the entrance with Victoria. How nice of you to drop by, especially when we no longer need you and your men!
Where is Zorro, De la Vega? I know he has been injured and you are trying to hide him! Asked the Alcalde
Zorro? The old man asked, looking around and wondering how did the man manage to disapear. You just missed him, De Soto! As you can see, he left you two more presents. These men attacked me and Victoria and were intended on killing us all.
Sergent, search everywhere! Take the hacienda apart if you need to! Zorro can't have gone far! Ordered the De Soto
Si Alcalde! Complied Mendoza and he repeated the same order to his men.
However, moments after he gave the order, Zorro made his appearance in the garden.
Alcalde! He called and all the men exited fast, followed by Don Alejandro and Victoria who were unable to understand how had he gotten there on Tornado.
Zorro! The Alcalde and Mendoza exclaimed at the same time, in a very different tone.
How good of you to come so promptly to arrest the bandits who have tried to kill Don Alejandro tonight! Said Zorro
How are you alive, Zorro? The Alcalde asked
Did you think I was dead, Alcalde? Did you, perhaps, missed me? Asked Zorro a smug smile on his lips
Missed you? Like I miss nightmares! Answered De Soto
In that case, you might want to stay awake! Threatened the masked bandit, as he directed his mount towards Los Angeles and was soon engulfed in the night's darkness.
Should we pursue him, Alcalde? Asked Mendoza
Don't bother, Sergent! Replied the Alcalde, dissapointed. Have the men take the bandits. We return to the garrison!
The next day, at the tavern, Diego entered as he returned from The Guardian's office.
Alcalde! The Sergent told me that Zorro is back. Said Diego at entering and finding De Soto sat at a table. His shoulder was still hurting badly but he was able to control himself enough in order not to show he was in pain.
Oh, just as well, De la Vega! I can still put the noose around his neck! Replied the Alcalde.
The alcalde is a true optimist, isn't he Victoria? Diego asked directed at the woman he loved, who was standing behind the bar, a large smile on her face. He manages to see the upside in every situation!
The only upside is, Diego, that Zorro lives! She answered. If it hadn't been for him, those bandidos might have killed your father and me last night!
For certain, did they tell you why they attacked my father, Ignacio? Asked Diego
Yes... Apparently one of them was going to impersonate a relative of yours and claim the hacienda and your land for himself after they had gotten rid of both you and your father. Replied the Alcalde
Well, I am certainly glad their plan didn't work out. Said Diego.
All thanks to Zorro! Said Victoria
Zorro! Exclaimed the Alcalde annoyed.