Chapter 9
Victoria's Tavern...
"Welcome home, Don Alejandro. How was your trip?"
"Successful, if I do say so myself, Victoria…We made some great purchases and my son and I got the chance to enjoy each other's company," he smiled as he put his arm around her shoulders, "it was well worth it, my dear. Zorro saves the day again…when will the alcalde ever learn?"
"Where is Diego by the way," the taverness wondered, "I suppose that he is performing one of his experiments…or catching up on his rest…"
"That is not fair, Victoria. My son does a lot in the community. He is a good man," the old caballero stated, "I have been guilty of saying and thinking the same thing myself…I didn't appreciate Diego for who he is….he is not Zorro, but he is his own man…"
"Diego is my best friend…I have high expectations for him," she admitted, "I know he cares about this pueblo and the people but..."
"I wanted him to be just like me instead of being grateful for the son that I have…."
"Diego knows that you love him, Don Alejandro," Victoria grasped his hand in support, "I wanted him to do more...be more like Zorro...I am just as guilty as you are…thank you for reminding of me…I missed him..."
"You should let Diego know," the older man said, "I know that he will appreciate it..."
"So, Don Alejandro…where is that cowardly son of yours," the alcalde sneered, "I should have known that he wouldn't be around when trouble occurs…"
"That is none of your business, alcalde. Diego and I have just returned from our trip…We had a successful trip…returned home safely so that is all that matters to me….but since you asked, my son is home working on my accounts and taking care of the mares we purchased..."
"Defending that worthless son of yours…I might have known…you know I am amazed…You were a soldier…a man of action while your son is a man of words…they normally say that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree but in this case….well, you know…""
Don Alejandro mentally counted to ten in order to control his temper…I don't know how you do it, son, he thought. The man is insufferable…"Diego takes after his mother…in looks and in temperament…She loved books and science…the arts...My son is a gentleman and a scholar." Unlike you, he added silently.
"My…my…Such devotion between a father and son," Ramon sneered.
"The de la Vegas take great pride in family loyalty. I am proud of my son."
"What brought about this change, Don Alejandro? Has Don Diego suddenly grown a backbone," the alcalde challenged trying to get a rise out of the older man.
"In essentials, my son is very much as he ever was," Alejandro responded using every ounce of his self control, "If you will excuse me, I have business to take care of…Victoria…"
Ramon sat down at the table…I wonder what brought that on, he thought. Defending his worthless son's honor is definitely a change of pace…Maybe, this bears looking into or at least thinking about it….
The Hacienda…
Diego started as the door slammed…Someone is in a foul mood, he thought as he closed his book. "Father, you're back. Is everything alright," he teased.
"How you put up with that….that man," Don Alejandro ran an agitated hand through his hand, "the alcalde is a…a menace to this pueblo."
"What did he do to upset you, Father?"
"He didn't insult me…he insulted you…he called you a coward…of disappearing when trouble occurs. How did you put up with it from him and from me," the old don hugged his son impulsively, "you are a good son, Diego."
"Your remarks hurt…but they threw people off my trail…I am surprised that you didn't lose your temper…I know how irritating Ramon can be…"
"Is that why you cut so many Z's into this clothes or why you enjoy…in punching him," his father said mischievously.
"I guess you could say that, Father," Diego laughed, "I have a bit of the de la Vega temper, too."
"There's the son that I remember…I don't blame you son. It will be a struggle and I pray that my temper holds out that long…"
"It will, Father. There is too much at stake…for all of us. I know that you won't let me down."
"I won't, Diego. I would do anything to keep you safe."
"Even if it means controlling your temper," his son teased, "I suppose that I could cut another 'Z' into his jacket if the opportunity arises...just to get some of my own back..a bit of poetic justice...Don't you think?"
The two men laughed heartily. It felt good. The next few days would be challenging to say the least, but it would be worth it. The alcalde would be gone, and it would be a new beginning for all of them…
"That was a wonderful meal, Maria. You have outdone yourself once again," Don Alejandro complimented, "I have work to do in my study…Good night, Felipe…son."
"We have a few more chores to complete, Father," Diego smiled, "Good night, Father."
The Cave…
Diego brushed Tornado's coat as Felipe busied himself with cleaning up the cave. "It will take a bit of getting used to…my father knowing my secret but he did well, today. I just hope that the alcalde can behave himself until the governor arrives," the tall caballero glanced at Felipe as he spoke, "until then, we will be on our guard. I just hope that nothing goes wrong...in a few more days…it will all be over…one way or the other…"