This psychological thriller is drenched in paranoia which threatens the mental stability of Anna Maria Verdugo while she visits Los Angeles. Can Diego/Zorro save her from such psychological abuse before it's too late?
Author's Notes: Hellooooo! It has been a while! I've been sitting on this Zorro story for almost 2 years. Thought I'd better just post it. I've been toying with so many ideas but kept coming back to this idea of a psychological thriller (or my attempt at one haha). I enjoyed the darker tones of my previous Zorro story "Come Out And Play" and I wanted to do something similar with this story. So I hope I can do these characters justice and provide some suspenseful entertainment for you! Especially with this spooky season!
Without further ado!
Chapter 1 ~ The House Guest
A bandit rode like a bat out of Hell. The glow of the moon was the only guide to light his path. Dripping with sweat, constantly wiping it to keep it from getting into his eyes, he spurred his horse to a new speed. He and his compadres had successfully managed to rob a stagecoach. This particular stagecoach had been carrying precious jewels collected from a few perishes, and the army payroll for Los Angeles.
He was all by himself now. The rest of his team had been plucked off one by one by the soldiers escorting the money. He was the lucky one. Although he counted himself fortunate to still be alive, he would not rejoice in his scruples until he was out of Los Angeles. Out of reach. Out of the clutches of that infamous black devil who would follow him out of the depths of Hell and chase him back into it.
He had been riding for some time and he could feel the heat of the beast underneath him. Surely, he was close to the city's border.
He swept his eyes all around, peering into any moving shadows with the hopes that none was the legendary outlaw. El Zorro had a knack for appearing out of nowhere like a ghost during times of trouble.
A few branches danced their shadows on the ground. The bandit jerked his head in full alert.
Nothing.
"Hiya!" He felt throughout his body the pounding hooves thundering on the ground below him. They were extra loud. A cacophony of sound. The ground seemingly reverberated more for just his animal. The bandit glanced over his shoulder.
He cursed in terror.
Behind him was the shadowy figure of a cloaked man steeling forward on his black horse.
The bandit blinked the procuring sweat from his brow and fumbled to pull out his pistol. In a desperate chance, he aimed behind him and fired. He knew his aim would not hit its mark, but he hoped to scare some distance between them.
The bandit leaned far forward to remove any wind resistance. He really thought he could make it. He felt his horse pressing onward. He smirked, priding himself in the stallion he stole. He looked behind him, expecting to see the Fox far behind. He gasped and his heart leapt into his throat when he saw the masked avenger right on his heels.
Suddenly, the Fox jumped from his horse onto the bandits. In one last feeble attempt to escape the claws of the legendary Fox, the bandit pulled out a dagger and thrusted it behind him. His wrist was caught and the two fumble for ownership.
The last thing the bandido remembered was his horse coming to a sudden stop.
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The next morning, the dashing Don Diego and his loyal deaf-mute servant, Bernardo rode into the busy pueblo of Los Angeles. Patrol soldiers were standing guard outside the cuartel, vendors were selling their goods, and peons and vaqueros were purchasing items for their patrons or their families.
Diego and Bernardo tied their horses in front of the tavern and went inside to order some lunch. Diego looked at his pocket watch and exchanged a look with his servant who stood next to the bar. He had bet Bernardo that within five minutes of them entering the tavern, the lovable fat sergeant would arrive fishing for an invite for a free lunch. His five minutes were almost up. He pocketed his watch with a defeated sigh and was about to pull out five pesos when the door opened and the large man in uniform entered.
Sergeant Garcia spied the wealthy don and grinned ear to ear, "Don Diego!"
Diego stifled a grin as he glanced back over at the frowning deaf-mute. He turned back to his approaching guest. "Sergeant, what a pleasant surprise! Won't you join me for lunch?"
The sergeant giggled, "Gracias, Diego. I think I will. Only a little bite, I am trying to lose some weight." They ordered lunch and began some idle chit chat. The sergeant informed the don of the excitement from the previous night and how Zorro caught the bandido who got away and returned all the stolen money and jewels to the cuartel. "The commandante was surprised to find the money returned, but grateful the Fox did not keep it for himself."
Diego and Bernardo exchanged a quick glance before the don turned back to the sergeant, "That is wonderful news, Sergeant."
Garcia sighed, "The commandante, I can never seem to figure him out."
"What do you mean, Sergeant?"
"On one hand," Garcia held out one meaty hand in front of him, "the commandante curses that rascal of a fox. Then on the other hand," he held out his other plump hand, "last night, he actually made a somewhat grateful remark toward the outlaw. Following that up with his vow to capture the meddlesome outlaw." Garcia crossed his arms on the table and leaned on them as he shook his head, "I just don't know, Don Diego."
Diego just shrugged, "Well, Sergeant, I envy your strong will under pressure." He gave a sideways glance back to Bernardo who couldn't help but giggle.
"A soldier's life is taxing. But we cannot be ungrateful. Commandante Raphael has been able to bring a bit of peace to our little pueblo."
Diego nodded, having to agree. The commandante had vanquished tyranny and corruption. Taxes were dealt fairly and at last there seemed to be a sigh of relief for the city of Los Angeles. There were the occasional bandidos, robberies, and sometimes killings; but it was always dealt with justly. Zorro would swoop in to help catch the bad guys or remind the commandante that too harsh a punishment on a peon would have consequences.
Commandante Juan Roberto Raphael, although a fair leader, did have a temper. He usually kept it under control but there were times when his anger got the better of his judgment and a punishment would be carried out that Zorro knew too harsh for the crime. Zorro would come in and deal with the situation. Sometimes the commandante would come to his senses and realize his actions were too harsh. Other times, Raphael would grumble at the fact that Zorro had to give him a figurative slap on the wrist.
Overall, Los Angeles had seen the last of major corruption for some time and Zorro could not be happier.
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Diego and Bernardo did not arrive back home until late that afternoon. As they neared the grand hacienda, they saw a carriage out in front and two vaqueros about ready to take it to the stable.
"Joaquin," Diego dismounted and addressed the vaquero, "We have a visitor. Who is here?"
The stableman bowed his head, "A senorita, Patron," and the two men were off to the stable.
Diego and Bernardo exchanged puzzled glances before entering the patio. When they entered the sala, Diego stopped abruptly to find his father sitting across from Anna Maria Verdugo.
Instantly feeling embarrassed at not having the chance to freshen up, Diego plastered a smile on his face. "Anna Maria. This is - is a pleasant surprise," he had trouble finding the words which came out in a jumble.
Alejandro held onto a chuckle that threatened to escape.
She beamed a smile while standing to greet him. "Diego, it is so good to see you again."
"What brings you to Los Angeles? Was this an unexpected visit? How long are you staying?"
She giggled, "I am here for an unexpected visit."
Alejandro saved his son and further explained while holding up an opened letter, "Her father has asked us if we can host her for a few days until he can come up here on business."
"I would stay at the Inn, but staying with such good friends sounds more appealing than a stuffy old Inn. Besides, I've always wanted to see the De La Vega hacienda."
Diego tried to think of something to say but was tongue tied. He finally pushed the words out, "That is wonderful news. That you will be staying with us, of course."
"I am having the servants prepare the guest bedroom at the end of the hall upstairs. It should be ready shortly." Alejandro turned to the beautiful woman who had bewitched his son.
Anna Maria nodded her thanks, "Gracias, I would like to change out of these clothes. My vaquero, can he have a place to stay until tomorrow when he returns to Monterey?"
"Si, he can stay in the back rooms by the stables," Alejandro excused himself to make further arrangements.
Diego cleared his throat but had nothing to say. He bit his lower lip, chastising his behavior. He inwardly forced himself to get ahold of his senses.
I do hope my stay will not interfere with any of your plans, Don Diego."
"No. Not at all."
"Good. I do hope that we will be able to spend time together." She curtsied and made her exit to her room to freshen up before dinner.
Diego just stood there in the sala watching where she had left. He finally turned when Bernardo conspicuously made a noise to grab the young don's attention. Bernardo then gave him a cheeky grin and pointed his eyes toward the door.
Diego cleared his throat and adjusted the lapels on his jacket, "I need to change."
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That evening they enjoyed their dinner in the sala. They talked of pleasantries, Anna Maria mostly asked them about what they had been up to since last they saw each other. Diego noticed how she usually diverted the conversation from questions asked about her back to them and their family. He passed it off as her excitement.
When they were served the last course, Diego had noticed that Anna Maria had not eaten much of her food. She picked around at it but sang praises of it. Come to think of it, there were a few irregularities about her that he was beginning to notice. She had darker circles under her eyes. She looked fatigued. She seemed a bit thinner than he remembered. Maybe he was reading too much into it.
By the end of dessert, Alejandro had given Diego subtle glances with his eyes for them to move onto the patio. Diego crimped his lips and gave a warning look back at his matchmaking father. Their wine was poured and Alejandro had had enough of his son ignoring him so he spoke up, "Anna Maria, it is a nice night. Would you like to adjourn to the patio? There is a cool breeze."
She smiled, "I would like that very much." They all stood and took their glasses out onto the patio. Just as they were about to sit down at the table and chairs, Alejandro feigned a yawn.
"Excuse me, I did not realize how the long day has caught up with me. I think I shall retire to my room. Compromiso."
"Buenas noches," Anna Maria curtsied and sat down in the chair offered to her as Alejandro disappeared up to his room.
Diego shook his head as he sat after her, "My father was never one for subtleties," to which Anna Maria laughed.
Bernardo brought out a tray with the wine bottle and a cigar on it. Diego took the cigar and lit it. They sat in pleasant silence for a moment. Diego exhaled upward on a puff of smoke when he thought he heard Anna Maria shiver. "Would you like your shawl?"
"Oh, no. It is a pleasant night. I must compliment you and your father on your hacienda. I have always heard about the De la Vega ranch but to see it now, it is more beautiful than its description."
"Gracias," Diego nodded his head once while rolling the cigar in between his fingers.
"I do hope you will give me a tour during my stay?"
"Of course."
There was a breeze that whisked through the hanging vines from the large weeping willow tree in the center of the patio. A hushing sound echoed throughout the walls. As the whisper reached the patio door, it forced the latch closed and Anna Maria jumped at the sudden noise.
Diego spoke reassuringly, "It's just the wind."
Anna Maria stared at the door for some time, as if to see if anyone was entering. When no one entered, she forced a giggle, "Si," she smiled but her eyes darted quickly at every corner of the patio which were shrouded in shadows. "I must be tired," she giggled again.
Diego questionably grinned as he took the cigar from between his lips. He posed a question in a jovial tone, "So, you must tell me. Do you still have the misfortune of crossing paths with Ricardo del Amo?"
Anna Maria laughed, "I see him from time to time when he has business. He still makes his pleas of matrimony. I turn him down every time, of course."
Diego replied jokingly, "Good. I'd hate to see your judgment impaired by his incessant begging." He made her laugh but only for a moment. He noticed that she was gripping the folds of her dress awfully tight. Her eyes continued to dart around toward all the shadows. She would glance over her shoulder then back at the door to the hacienda. Any slight noise caused her to urgently look for the cause of that sound. He decided not to bring it up but continued to quietly observe. "Speaking of matrimony, I am surprised that some lucky caballero has not swept you off your feet. Are the men in Monterey blind?"
This compliment brought a flush to her cheeks, "Gracias, Diego. No, a while ago there was someone with whom we shared a connection. But as you can see, nothing came of it."
"I am sorry."
Anna Maria shook her head and dismissed it quickly, "No need to apologize. What about you? Do not tell me you are a confirmed bachelor?"
Diego shrugged his shoulders lightly, "To tell you the truth, I haven't given it much thought," which was a lie. He did think about marriage often but it was mostly with the one woman he believed he could never have; and she was sitting so close to him.
The door to the hacienda opened suddenly and Anna Maria jumped to her feet. She was physically relieved when Bernardo exited the hacienda to see if they needed anything. Diego stood, "Anna Maria, are you all right?"
She grabbed her trembling fingers and forced a chuckle, "Oh, yes. I believe I am just fatigued. I think I shall retire. Again, I am grateful for Don Alejandro and your hospitality. I await a tour of your glorious home with great anticipation. Buenas noches," she curtsied.
"Buenas noches," he bowed his head and his brow frowned as she ascended the stairs and disappeared into the guest room down the hall.
Bernardo looked confusedly at his master and pointed up at her. He trembled his fingers.
Diego nodded in thought, "I know, Bernardo. She was actually afraid. Have you noticed Bernardo, Anna Maria appears weathered and worn? She's not the same spirited woman I knew. Something has changed her."
Bernardo trembled his fingers again to which his master agreed.
"You're right, Bernardo. She is afraid of something. I intend to find out what."
Thanks for reading! Hope to post these chapters fairly close to each other so won't leave you all hanging for too long :)