Chapter 24
The de la Vegas sat at their customary table at Victoria's Tavern. Many of the citizens were already stirring although the town was strangely calm. Diego took a sip of his orange juice and smiled as he watched the woman he loved serve her clientele. There would be much to discuss as they got to know each other without any pretense or mask between them.
"Good morning, gentlemen. May I join you," Don Eduardo approached the trio, "your ex-alcalde is quite a handful to say the least…I don't see how you endured his leadership for so long…I don't know if I could have tolerated him…"
"I am sure he was very displeased about being imprisoned in his own jail," Diego smirked, "although it couldn't have happened to a better person."
Don Alejandro smiled at his son's remarks. At last, he is showing glimpses or his true self, he thought. "How long before he is taken to Monterrey, my friend?"
"Later today, Alejandro. He will not escape his punishment and I would like for you to assist Mendoza in governing this pueblo until a new successor is found. He did have one request although I found it rather bizarre," his friend stated, "he wanted a last meal prepared by Senorita Escalante and he wanted to see you, Diego."
"Why me? I am not his particular friend and neither is Victoria. You don't think he is up to something do you."
"Who knows how his mind works, son but the jail is secure. Maybe he has some grudge that he wants to settle. I don't know," Eduardo mused, "it is up to you whether you want to see him or not."
"I am sure Victoria will prepare his meal but I would prefer that we see him together….I don't trust him as far as I can throw him."
"I agree, son. The man is a snake…the sooner he is gone…the better," Alejandro mused.
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Luis Ramon paced the floor of his cell. True to her word, Victoria had prepared her finest meal. I am surprised that she didn't put arsenic in it, he smirked. I wonder when that useless Don Diego will show up. Is that fop too afraid to face me…The older man turned as the door opened…Speak of the devil…
"You wanted to see me, alcalde," Diego folded his arms in disgust, "what could we possibly have to talk about?"
"I wanted to congratulate you on the success of your plan, Don Diego or should I say Senor Zorro? It was a brilliant plan if I have to say so myself. You don't seem too surprised, Diego. Cat got your tongue," the alcalde smirked, 'Nothing to say for yourself…the usually erudite, caballero….I am surprised at you."
"I have nothing to say but that you are right for a change. It was a brilliant plan if I do say so myself…After that happened with Sir Edmund…you deserve whatever fate awaits you in Monterrey…"
"That is not what I am talking about and you know it. I know that Kendall was not here for a social call. He was here to see his prize pupil…the only man who could protect him if necessary…Diego de la Vega also known as Zorro…"
"Very interesting theory, Alcalde. I would love to hear why you think that I am Zorro. You have always questioned my bravery…thought of me as a lazy rich man's son. Why would you think that I am Zorro," the tall caballero smirked, "although I have to give it to you…it is an interesting theory."
"I stands to reason as I said that you and Kendall were very close. Under his tutelage, you would have at least acquired some skills with the sword. That flash of temper that you showed when you returned from Madrid. I remember it well."
Is that a challenge, de la Vega?
If it were, my sword would be at your throat.
Only long enough for my soldiers to put a bullet through your head.
"I remember now how you reached for your sword but Don Alejandro grabbed your arm to stop you. The fact that Zorro appeared soon after you returned from Spain is another clue. Why don't you admit it, de la Vega? You are Zorro. There is no point in hiding it now," the alcalde taunted, "don't be such a coward."
The tall caballero straightened to his full height. "Very good, Alcalde. It pains me to admit that you are right for a change. Sir Edmund was not only my friend. He was my fight master…I am proud of everything that he taught me about loyalty…about honor and how to be a real man," he stated, "which is more than you will ever be…I used the skills he taught me for the people of Los Angeles and even though you are responsible for his death….Sir Edmund would be glad that you are going to get exactly what you deserve."
"Don't be so sure. I have friends in Monterrey that would be glad to vouch for me. I will be back in Los Angeles before you know it…"
"Not even your so-called influence will get you out of this one, alcalde. Don Eduardo is not only the Deputy Governor but my father and I spoke to the Governor while we were in Monterrey. Even if you were allowed to plead your cause before the King himself, the de la Vega name and the evidence that we have gathered will speak for itself," Diego stated firmly, "you could have assured a promotion for yourself if you had been honest and fair with the people. That is the one thing about this situation that I regret."
"Always a do-gooder, de la Vega. You disgust me," the alcalde sneered, "so self-righteous…"
"No…just a man who will finally see justice being done. The people are finally going to get the leader that they need. This has been very entertaining. If you will excuse me, I have better things to do with my time…"