Chapter 13 [Manolito and Mercedes' Room]

Manolito buttoned up his finest ruffled shirt. His maroon pants had nary a crease. Polish caught Sol's and Candle's light. Razor smoothed his face. Outlook remained edgy however.

Politics often muddied waters….

"The government sends help! You see, Manolo? There will be justice!" Mercedes smoothed her gown behind the changing screen. She stepped out in her blue gown with its flowing skirt. "Can you fasten me in the back por favor?"

He shrugged. "You know I am your servant." His fingers secured the clasps one after the other up her back. "¡Bueno!" He turned her around to face him. "Do I receive my payment?"

Snort escaped her lips. "You are demanding."

"Demanding? Hey! That is not so nice." His eyebrows raised. His lips planted Amor's notes across her forehead. "A bit of warmth before we go. About this dinner, do not raise your hopes."

"¿Por qué no? The de la Granadas and Santiago y Amistads attack us. We caught them many times! Manolito, why would the Mexican government let them go?" She frowned. "Have confidence and believe!"

"This man, Mercedita, cares about greasing palms. He should do what you suggest. But will he? I am not so sure." He frowned. "Look at what they did to your father. We are not going to get Rancho Montoya back. Papa will not come back."

"Es verdad." She curled her lip. "Even the government can take so much! How many times will they come over the border? How long will they harass us? Miguel wants his parish. I want to be with you. Victoria and John want their lives. That is all! ¿Por qué no?"

"Politics. Papa loved his games. So do they." He shook his head. "I run out of patience for the jokes. You are right. The American government…they want this to end I think. So tedious! That pressure brought this consul here. Let us see what kind of hombre he is."

A knock interrupted their thoughts.

"Let us hope for the best." She steeled herself. "I am so tired of my aunt and uncles. I wish Papa still had nuestra Rancho Vega. He does not. I wish your father had Rancho Montoya. I wish he was still alive. Those wishes were taken from us." She squeezed him tightly. "I want our home. I just want our three ranchos to do well. Felipe and Alejandra think we owe them. They need us more than we need them, Manolo. Let them learn that from Angelina." She narrowed her eyes.

Manolito nodded. "I like what I am hearing. Now you understand me." He opened the door to find John and Victoria. "Ah! Buenas tardes, my Sister, John! Mercedes and I were talking about this consul and his politics. Games, jokes and drama. Papa would right at home."

Victoria stiffened. "This man will try to smooth everything over. I fear that Don Carlos will let him. He will pressure Doña Angelina to marry against her will."

"Angelina has made it very clear, Victoria. She will come with us. Don Ricardo, you and we support her. Miguel tied all of the strings together himself." Manolito smirked. Satisfaction widened that across his face.

"What?" John looked to the in-laws.

"Papa sent a telegram to Miguel." Mercedes coughed. "Mi hermano rushed around. He met with Señor Price. They sent telegrams to the bank office here and to Papa. Miguel sent another telegram to Angelina. Papa was so proud! Miguel welcomed Angelina to Tucson. He told her how we all want her there."

"Don Carlos will be hard pressed to say no now." Appreciation prompted a nod from John. In concert with Ricardo's moves here and in Tucson, Miguel shored matters up there with the bank and the locals. He knew Price would either have the right of sale over the adjacent land around the railroad depot or know that person. The tavern could move to a better location. Best of all, Angelina could be happy.

"We might hope for common sense." Victoria frowned. "Manolito, I cannot believe you are not dressed! We are about to be late!" Scolding shot from her eyes. Her hands went up in the air. She muttered to herself in Spanish.

"The man just has to put his tie and coat on. That takes how long?" John shook his head.

"Gracias, John. My sister is in the mood to nag someone." Manolito arched an eyebrow at Victoria. "You should know by now. Eh?"

"I DO NOT NAG!" Scowl twisted Victoria's lips. "¡Tonto! ¿No puedes estar listo a tiempo?"

"¡Estaba tranquilizando a mi esposa! ¡LO SIENTO!" Sarcasm bit into Manolito's tone. He buttoned the last two buttons. He tied the dark bow tie. Then he pulled on his coat. "Satisfied?"

"Shall we go? Victoria, I am sorry." Mercedes stepped between the feuding siblings.

"Very well." Victoria narrowed her eyes at her brother. "Since he was considerate of you, Mercedes, I will let it go this time. Come along, John. Let us not be late." She turned on her heel. She strode from the room.

"Yes. Mano, you two had better be right behind me." John grimaced.

Manolito inspected his hair in the mirror. "We shall be there. Ah. Muy bien."

"You look perfecto, Mamolo. No la hagamos esperar." Mercedes cleared her throat and motioned toward the hall.

"La espera le sentará bien a mi hermana." Irritation pushed a sigh past his teeth. "Vamanos" He led her from the room.

What is this discussion going to be like? Mercedes winced at that thought.

Interesting was not a quality she wanted at dinner….