Chapter 12 [5 PM]

Sol descended toward Pacific's cooling waters. Breeze cooled the coast and swayed grasses. Shadows lengthened. Farmers brought stock back toward their corrals and pens for the night. Servants prepared their finest foods for guests and dignitaries downtown and at Rancho Vega alike.

Others rushed to finish their shifts' last tasks….

[Rancho Vega—Los Angeles]

A slender white man urged his spotted stallion up the road. His blue coat flapped in the breeze. Due to the pace, he kept his cap in the saddlebag lest it fall off somewhere between the business district and there. Urgency demanded its completion in due course. He pulled up on his horse's reins right in front of the hacienda. "WHOA!"

The horse neighed but followed the instructions. Gait slowed. Hooves halted by the corral.

He dismounted. A single tug straightened his jacket. He retrieved his hat from the saddlebag. Then he strode to the door. Knuckles rapped on oak.

A tall Latino servant opened the door. "Can we help you?"

The delivery man nodded. "Good afternoon. I have telegrams to deliver." He took the envelopes from his pocket. "Might I talk to Don Ricardo de la Vega and Doña Angelina de la Vega please?"

"They are here. One moment." The servant hustled through the parlor. He knocked at Angelina's door. "Doña Angelina, there is a telegram for you."

She opened the door. Surprise raised her eyebrow. "For me? Gracias, Javier." She slipped past him and closed the door behind herself.

"He is at the front door. Gracias." Javier bowed. Then he pressed on for Ricardo's room. Again, his knuckles rapped.

Ricardo opened his door. "¿Sí? Javier?"

"Don Ricardo, there is a man with a telegram for you at the front door." Javier stepped out of the way.

"Telegram? You don't think Miguel's already responded. Do you?" Maria's voice carried from the room.

Ricardo shrugged. "I do not know. I will find out." He rubbed his chin and stepped out into the hall. "Vamanos, Javier." He followed the others lead toward the front.

Angelina opened the door. "Buenas tardes, Señor. May I help you?" She looked him over but found little out of the ordinary.

"Good afternoon. Are you Doña Angelina de la Vega?" he asked.

"I am." She cleared her throat.

"Very good." He looked at the telegrams. He handed her envelope to her. "And there you are, Ma 'am. Thank you."

"You're welcome." She fished around in her skirt pocket. Fingers grabbed onto a few coins. She held them up. "For your trouble. Muchissimas gracias, Señor." She placed them in his hand. Gratitude shone through her smile.

He bowed to her. "Thank you!" He saw Javier return with Ricardo. "Good afternoon, Sir! Are you Don Ricardo de la Vega?"

"I am Don Ricardo. What might I do for you?" Ricardo noticed her holding up a yellow envelope.

"I have a telegram for you, Sir." He handed Ricardo his envelope.

"Gracias, Señor." Ricardo accepted the envelope. He handed a couple of coins to the delivery man as well. "Adios."

"Adios." The delivery man tipped his cap to them again. Then he hustled toward his horse. He stuffed his hat into the saddle bag. Then he rode away back down the road toward the office.

Ricardo shook his head. "I wonder…." He opened the envelope and read.

"DON RICARDO DE LA VEGA STOP

FATHER MIGUEL AND I HAVE SPOKENSTOP

THERE IS LAND FOR NEW TAVERNSTOP

DOÑA ANGELINA AND MR. MARKUM AT LOS ANGELES BRANCH KNOW STOP

WE AWAIT WORDSTOP

PRICE WELLS FARGO BANKSTOP"

Ricardo nodded. "Miguel works quickly." He stuffed the paper and envelope into his pocket. "Good news?"

"I waited for you, Don Ricardo. ¿Con su permiso?" She opened her envelope and unfolded the paper. Surprise widened her eyes. "I do not believe it! We will be there in a few days." She coughed and read,

"DOÑA ANGELINA DE LA VEGASTOP

BIENVENIDOS A TUCSONSTOP

GRACIAS FOR YOUR SERVICESTOP

OPPORTUNITY FOR ONE AND POSSIBLY TWO TAVERNSSTOP

HAVE A BLESSED JOURNEYSTOP

FATHER MIGUELSTOP"

Ricardo nodded. Pride swelled in his chest. "He works mas rapidamente. I have no doubt. The people will like you. Rosie's Café and your tavern will compete for business. Doña Maria and I are only fifteen miles away."

"Two taverns?" She scratched her head. Possibilities threatened to drown her brain.

"Two….?" He puzzled over that revelation. "Tucson only has need for one tavern at the depot. Perhaps there is another hotel in town? I do not know of anything else. Whatever Miguel means, you will stay at Rancho Vega. Felicidades." He held his arms out.

"Gracias." She embraced him. "I want to see your rancho!"

"And so you shall. Ahora you can relax. Mañana we go to the bank. Vamanos." He walked back with her toward their rooms.

Business was under way….