Chapter 8 [Rancho Heche—Three Hours Later]

Alejandro stood amidst the tall grasses and budding flowers. His nostrils sucked in a deep whiff of the warming air. The breeze rustled through his hair. In better times, Happiness had leapt from this stretch. Amor had first claimed him there. Despite the failed courtship, he and Mercedes shared their bond. Children played there. Just two days before, Diego had lingered there in Amor's service.

Tragedy cut those short….

Alejandro forced himself to stand tall. He dabbed his eyes. Dignity would not allow him to break down in that place. In spite of…and perhaps because of…Riscendo, he would be the example. He was the Don. Even as Life seemed to collapse under him, he would not do the same.

Felipe dug at the soft earth. Even as tears blurred his sight, he wouldn't stop. His shovel flung the dirt to the sides of the double hole. He shook at his head at his former master's and his friend's deaths. Despite his entreaties to the contrary, he knew Zorro had to ride to his love's defense. He knew there was no other option. Sorrow stabbed at his heart. He flung the shovel out of the hole. Then he climbed out.

"Gracias, Felipe." Alejandro pulled on Felipe's hands helping the latter from the hole. He hated the rapid burial. By rights, Diego should have buried at the cathedral in Monterrey. He only did his duty as a Don in looking out for his people. Ramone and De Soto abused their positions not Diego despite Riscendo's opinions to the contrary.

Riscendo….

Alejandro ground his teeth. Disgust and Shame burned at him. How dare he call himself my son? Elena and I only had Diego. He will answer for that and so much more! He walked toward a nearby wagon. Looking into it, he spied Diego and Victoria bundled in their own wraps. They cared for each other even before Diego left for Madrid. Their worlds did not allow them grace. He frowned.

"Don Alejandro?"

Alejandro turned to see Padre Benitez and Mendoza dismounting from their horses. "Padre? Mendoza?"

"Sergeant Mendoza told me of the arrangements." Benitez ambled up to Alejandro. "I saw the whole debacle myself. I am sorry I could not intervene. Your son, Don Alejandro, was a hero and a man of God. And Victoria? She was pure of heart. She gave for others. Now I am sure they are with Our Lord."

"Gracias, Padre." Alejandro sighed. "I realize that Victoria should be buried in the pueblo's cemetery. Still…"

Benitez shook his head. "It was her wish to be buried with Don Diego. They had declared their hearts and commitment. It was only for me to say a few words for the Church." He pointed toward the slope. "And our neighbors have not forgotten either."

Alejandro and Felipe followed the cue. There they saw their neighbors and friends walking toward them. They accepted handshakes and embraces. Jose Rivas helped Mendoza carry Diego over to the fresh grave. Lucinda and Felipe did the same for Victoria.

Alejandro shook his head. "Diego would not want them risking themselves."

"Don Alejandro, Don Diego helped me. I would have been executed if not for him. Victoria was always kind and hard working. We honor them and you today." Jose took off his hat and bowed his head.

The other neighbors did the same in Respect's gesture.

"We know the Emisario will threaten and attack us. While we bury our hero, we will stand as he did," Jose admonished.

"I am grateful. Gracias, Jose." Alejandro embraced him.

"Shall we start then?" Benitez called the group around the grave. "Thank you, Everyone. I understand the risks to us all in being here. Still, we must remember that our duty is to God and Jesus first. We remember our dear friends, Don Diego de Vega and Victoria Escalante. They served God and all of those around themselves. They sacrificed for the rest of us. And they died in the fight against tyranny and injustice. Shall we pray?"

Everyone bowed their heads.

"Father, please accept our dear friends into your kingdom. They passed doing what you have taught us to do. Let them be with their loved ones now. Let them await us for when our time comes. Thank You. Amen." Benitez crossed himself. Then he read a few verses from the Bible. He picked up a piece of dirt. "From the earth they came. And we commit them back to it."

Alejandro smiled. "Take care, Diego and Victoria. Keep your mothers and Mercedes company." He bowed his head. He dropped a handful of dirt into the grave. He watched the others do the same before their respective departures. "Gracias, Padre."

"Of course, Don Alejandro. I would never do any less for them. We shall see darker days ahead, I fear." Benitez sighed. "I would not wait for the morning and those soldados."

"What? Riscendo ranted about a meeting tomorrow. I will talk to him. Then I will depart," Alejandro insisted.

"No, Don Alejandro! ¡Por favor no!" Mendoza shook his head. Lament drooped his facial features. He shook his head. "I am sorry. I should not tell you." He squirmed.

"Tell me what, Sergeant?" Alejandro raised his voice. Impatience added an edge to the tone.

"It is all right, Jaime. Tell him what you told me," Benitez assured him.

"Si, Padre." Mendoza shrugged. "I heard the Emisario talking with that other officer. They intend to seize your hacienda and arrest you for treason in the morning! I will probably be executed for warning you. I am sorry, Don Alejandro. I know you're suffering. I hate myself. I…."

Alejandro sighed. "Gracias, Mendoza. I appreciate your warning. I know the risk involved." He looked at the grave. "Diego would say for you to come with Felipe and me to Monterrey. There we shall inform the Bishop and Territorial Governor of Riscendo's overreach. Do you need to go back and get anything?"

"I have what I need, Don Alejandro. Where will we go?" Mendoza's eyes went wide.

"I will set the record straight." Alejandro rolled up his sleeves. "Felipe's adoption must be finalized as per Diego's last wish. We would welcome the companionship." He motioned toward the grave. "Shall we? Excuse us, Padre."

"Of course." Benitez nodded. "Vaya con Dios." He got back on his horse and rode back toward Los Angeles. He knew that Riscendo had designs on his own church's coffers. His office involved getting the pueblo through the coming storm.

That is if it didn't swamp them all first….