Chapter 3 ~ The Truth

Diego paced a couple times as his father leaned against the bed post. "She asked for Zorro?"

"Well, not in so many words. She hinted about his presence and if he still rode. There was a streak of terror in her eyes but she masked it well. I tried to see if she would open up to me, but she quickly left."

Diego stopped pacing and toyed with his bottom lip in between his finger and thumb.

Alejandro seemed to know exactly what his son was thinking and he quelled any worry, "I do not think this is a woman who wants to rekindle a tryst. I think she truly needs help. Zorro's help."

Diego turned to his father, "You do not think it is something Diego could try to resolve?"

Alejandro shrugged, "Maybe eventually she would open up to Diego, but I believe the immediacy of opening up to Zorro would give her some peace of mind. Us too. I am beginning to lose my mind with worry. After all, I am her charge while she is a guest in my home. I promised her father."

After a moment, Diego finally nodded. "All right. I will go to her as Zorro," there was still some reservation in his voice. He wished he could go to her as Diego but knew why she wanted his other identity more. He decided to wait another hour before he would enter the secret chamber.

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Anna Maria had changed into her nightgown. She had brushed her hair and attempted to read but could not find solace in fiction. She found herself pacing back and forth, praying desperately for some way to get in touch with the only person who could help her.

Her fingers were in knots as she paced the floor. Her heart pounding rapidly in her chest. The room felt suffocating but the night terrified her and she would not dare leave the room. Night time was when all her worst nightmares came to life; where every sound threatened danger. There was a small respite staying in the safety of the De La Vega hacienda. The past few days she had found some solace, more than she had in a long while. But now, everything had changed.

Oh, how she wished she could somehow find Zorro. That was one of the main reasons for coming to Los Angeles. He was the strongest and most cunning man she knew. He would be able to help her. She paused. Would he want to help her? The last time they saw each other was when he turned down a chance to spend the rest of his life with her. Maybe he would not want to help her.

Would he even want to see her again? These questions flooded her mind and riddled her with guilt. Maybe it was a foolish notion to come here with the hopes of asking for Zorro's help. Her shoulders dropped in hopelessness.

Suddenly, the window creaked open. Anna Maria heard a whooshing sound by the window and jumped. She coiled away from the breeze that rushed in from the opened window as the laced curtain danced. She quickly grabbed the poker by the fireplace and held it in front of her. A shadowy figure came into view, the moonlight casting that shadow on the floor. Her heart beat quickly. She held her breath. Her fingers gripped the poker.

"Senorita Verdugo," a soft and honeyed voice called her name. It was a familiar voice that brought instant relief.

There in the moonlight, Anna Maria was able to decipher the familiar black shadow. One that was not threatening. Her grip on the poker loosened and she dropped it with a clang to the floor. Her hand covered her mouth to stop a sob that was about to escape. "Zorro," she breathed and raced into his arms.

Zorro was taken aback. This was not quite the welcome he had expected. Instant concern swept over him as he felt her body tremble against his. He wrapped his arms around her and stroked her hair as he heard her soft cries. His father was right, there was something that terrified her. "Senorita, are you all right?"

Anna Maria pulled back, tears streaming down her face, "How I have prayed desperately you would come. I did not know where else to go, who to turn to." Suddenly her legs buckled underneath her but he caught her and guided her to a stuffed chair by the fireplace.

"Are you in trouble, Senorita?" He knelt down in front of her, his hands encasing hers.

Anna Maria nodded. Tears glistened on her face from the flames that flickered within the fireplace, "It was foolish of me to even come here. I thought my coming would provide comfort, but I have brought danger to the De La Vega family," she groaned and looked into the fire, "I shouldn't have come."

"Anna Maria, please, tell me what is troubling you," his voice was tender and he found himself caressing her tear stained cheek with the back of his gloved fingers.

It was as if they had not parted some two years ago. She felt just as at ease as when he pulled her up on his white stallion to take her home; leaving Ricardo de Almo to watch over the bandits. "I apologize for asking you a favor. I know I do not have any right."

Zorro grinned softly up at her, "Anna Maria, I would do any favor you ask of me."

Anna Maria inhaled deeply and let it out to calm herself. His hands holding hers helped to cease the trembling, "About a year ago, my father introduced me to Rodrigo Reyes, a caballero with whom he had become acquainted through his business. He was a dashing gentleman and we became close; our relationship grew serious. Six blissful months went by until his charade became known to us. He was not who he said he was, he was a charlatan; his desire was wealth.

'We quickly denounced him and removed him from our lives. It was then that I realized in his deception, he had grown an obsession for me. An unhealthy infatuation that turned - dangerous.

'A month of silence had gone by, thinking we were rid of him. That was when I received the first of what would become many letters. Detailed letters describing my actions and movements on certain days. Sinister confessions of watching me. Vulgar declarations of twisted admiration. His obsession grew to ultimatums: if I cannot have you, then no one will….If you do not come to me, I will bring harm upon your father.

'He started describing the movements of my father and friends. Then his actions escalated. It started with little things, my saddle cinch snapping, my carriage unhitched. My bedroom windows opened. I would find withered flowers on my bed. Little things in my room would not be where I left them.

'My father took action for my safety but Rodrigo seemed to slip by all our defenses. I felt as if I could not leave home. Even then, I was not safe in my own home. I felt trapped.

'That was when I thought of Diego de la Vega. He and his family are one of the most powerful families in California. I thought if I left without no one knowing and sought refuge here, I might find some peace. I thought of you and how maybe you could help." She stopped before standing and Zorro stood with her and waited as she went to the drawer next to her bed. She procured a letter and gave it to Zorro. "Then today I received this letter. He threatened the lives of the De La Vegas. He thinks that Diego and I - well, Diego and I also have a past as being close friends. Not only did he find me but, I believe, he feels threatened by my presence with Diego. He is watching Don Diego and Don Alejandro. He is following me and Diego." Her hands trembled violently, "I don't want to see Diego nor his father hurt." Anna Maria looked up at the outlaw with desperation, "You are my last hope, Senor Zorro. I need your help to find this man."

Zorro was silent for a moment. He never would have imagined that her life was in such peril. His blood began to boil at the thought of someone striking such terror at the heart of someone he held so dear. He read the threatening letter again:

You surprised me when I found you not at your home in Monterey. Why did you go to Los Angeles? The present company you keep is not befitting you. The De la Vegas have water in their veins.

I do not want you riding with the young de la Vega down the Highway road. He doesn't deserve to see you in your blue riding dress with the white lace trim.

He remembered the dress the writer spoke of. It was four days ago that she wore that riding dress. Zorro reread the letter several times again before looking up at the awaiting senorita. "Rodrigo Reyes is his name you say?"

Anna Maria sighed as she sat upon the edge of the bed, "I'm not sure what to believe anymore. It could be an alias. With such a lavish charade played on my family, I would not presume him to use his given name."

Zorro crimped his lips in thought.

"What must I do, Senor? I do not want to risk anyone else getting hurt."

Zorro folded the note back up, "May I keep this?"

"Si," she nodded.

He pocketed the note, "Sleep well, Senorita. I will watch over the hacienda tonight, you will not be in any danger."

Just hearing that affirmation brought such relief to her mind that she felt a wave of exhaustion. She nodded, not even able to vocalize her appreciation.

"And the De La Vegas must know the truth. Talk to them. Share with them what you shared with me. They may be able to help in areas I cannot."

Anna Maria reluctantly agreed, "I will tell them tomorrow."

Zorro laid his hand on top of hers which were in her lap. He spoke very seriously, "And know this, I will not let anything happen to you. That, I promise."

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