Chapter 4 ~ The Investigation

The sunrays streamed into the room through the white lace curtains. Nearby birds were heard singing their morning tune. Their merry little trills rustled Anna Maria from slumber. She sighed and shifted underneath the thick quilt. She slowly opened her eyes and looked around the elegant room. Blinking a few times, Anna Maria felt strength within her. This was the most restful sleep she had had in the past year. She didn't even remember falling asleep.

Anna Maria sat up trying to remember what happened. She remembered meeting with Zorro and smiled at the assurance he gave her. Anna Maria gasped, she didn't remember seeing him leave. Did she fall asleep before he left? Her face flushed a little imagining him putting her to bed and covering her up.

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Diego and Alejandro had already eaten breakfast and Alejandro had excused himself to the study to start on the inventory of the hides which were to be collected and sold to a buyer in a few weeks.

Diego already had Bernardo leave for Monterey with a vaquero who had been given a letter from Don Diego. The letter's contents made some inquiries about Rodrigo Reyes to maybe his last known employer or anyone who had an acquaintance with him. Diego had complete faith in his loyal servant and mischievous friend to find some answers.

Diego spent some time reading in the sala. It was an exceptionally hot day. He did not read for long. His mind was replaying the night before. At one frustrating point, Diego slammed the book closed and tossed it onto the table. The idea of her being stalked by a madman was infuriating.

He hoped she did get some restful sleep. She had fallen asleep almost in his arms. It was as if she had passed out from exhaustion. He laid her back on the pillow and covered her with the blankets. He kissed her forehead and stroked her hair before he went through the secret passageway instead.

Diego looked at his pocket watch, it was almost 10 o'clock. He was glad she was still sleeping and getting some much needed rest.

"Goodmorning," he turned to a petite feminine voice.

He flashed a dashing smile, "Goodmorning. I trust you slept well?"

Anna Maria joined him in the sala, "I did. Gracias."

"Splendid. If you're hungry, I can have the cook make you something to eat?"

She shook her head gently, "No, thank you. Diego, there is something that I'd like to discuss with you and your father. If it would not be too much trouble?"

Diego placed a hand on her back and leisurely guided her toward the study, "No trouble at all. Come, he is in the study."

For the next half hour, Anna Maria explained the real reason for her unexpected visit and how she and her father were the only ones from Monterey who knew she was here. Alejandro and Diego quietly listened to what they already knew and reacted accordingly. When she had finished, her voice was broken and her fingers in knots.

Diego felt compelled to lean over and place his hand on top of hers, but refrained.

In his fatherly way, Alejandro took off his spectacles, "You should have told us, my Child."

"I know. I'm sorry. And I am so ashamed to have brought such a burden upon your family. I sincerely did not think this would end like this."

"Do not trouble yourself any longer. It is no burden," Diego reassured her.

Anna Maria smiled gratefully, "I have no right to ask for your help."

Alejandro and Diego shook their heads. "You are like a daughter to me," Alejandro assured, "We would be glad to offer our assistance."

Diego turned to his father, "Father, maybe you could talk discreetly to a few of the dons and see if they have heard or know of a man who has played the trickster with any other families. This does not seem like something he has not done before."

"An excellent idea. I will see to it right away," Alejandro gave Anna Maria a comforting smile before leaving the room.

Anna Maria turned toward the table and lowered her head, "I feel like such a fool. Letting myself fall for such a man, bringing such trouble to my family and friends."

Diego was by her side, "You are no fool. You had no way of knowing. You can only take a chance."

Anna Maria turned to face him, "Oh, Diego. Please do not be offended with what I am about to say. My concern for you, this man has threatened your life. Please, please take care. I do not know what I would do if something happened to you."

Diego cleared his throat, her concern was touching. He patted her hand, "All right. I will be careful."

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That night, Commandante Raphael was going over a few new regulations he had received recently that he would be implementing the next day into the soldiers regamin. The dim light was giving him a headache and he rubbed his forehead. Maybe he should turn in for the night. He had had a long day observing the soldiers training.

"A taxing day always gives a man a headache," a voice behind him spoke quietly.

Raphael paused. Every muscle alert. His hand quickly went towards the pistol on his desk.

"Don't bother. I know it isn't loaded," the voice furthered.

Raphael turned toward the dark corner near his quarters. At first he did not see anyone, but soon the outline of a shadowy figure could faintly be seen. Although his figure was obscure, the figure's rapier blade glistened with the flickering light.

Raphael instantly knew who stood shrouded before him. He almost rolled his eyes in annoyance, "To what do I owe the pleasure of the outlaw Zorro's presence?" He asked sarcastically, "What else have I done that doesn't merit your approval?"

"At the present, nothing, Capitan," Zorro replied.

"Did you come here expecting a thank you for not keeping the army payroll and the perish's jewels?"

"I do not have the need for precious jewels or your soldier's hard earned pesos? No, commandante, I did not come here for myself, but on the behalf of someone else."

Raphael scoffed in disbelief, "Do I presume that you are asking me a favor? That is one for the books. The outlaw Zorro asking the commandante for help. You must be mad."

Zorro ignored the officer's jabs, "Do you know of the Senorita Verdugo? She is staying as a guest at the home of the De La Vega."

Raphael nodded.

"She is in grave danger," Zorro handed the capitan the note that Anna Maria had received in the mail. The man in uniform read the threatening letter as the outlaw continued, "This man has been stalking her for the last six months, his threats have escalated and I believe, if not found, he could cause her physical harm."

Raphael had heard of the outlaw's relationship with Anna Maria Verdugo. The news from Monterey travelled all throughout southern California. The fact that this outlaw had even considered giving up his mask for this woman, was big news. She was a prominent woman in Monterey and her family was of grand reputation. Raphael surmised that if her life was in peril, he should offer his assistance.

So he remained quiet and let the outlaw quickly explain the highlights of her plight.

"What is it that you wish me to do?" Raphael asked.

"Look into any reports of similar cases: wealthy haciendados being swindled out of business deals or reports of any strange activity against a man calling himself Rodrigo Reyes - or a variation of that name."

After a moment, the commandante nodded once, "I will do as you ask. But I will not exchange such information with you."

Zorro's white teeth shone brightly in the shadows, "I would expect nothing less. The De La Vega are charged with watching over her, you may report any findings to them."

Raphael hesitantly agreed with a small nod. "One of these days, Senor, I will rip that mask off your face."

Zorro saluted the man before disappearing into the shadows.