Poisoned
Part 6
Disclaimers in Part 1
Alejandro sat down in the parlor with a sigh. It had been a long couple of days. He had checked on Victoria and found she was sleeping soundly in the comfort of his son's arms. It looked as if antidote worked after all!
Felipe entered a few minutes later with a letter. "Gracias," Alejandro said. He opened it and within the first paragraph, hope was kindled for the small pueblo.
Alejandro, I bring you news from Madrid. After the many things you, as well as Diego, have written to me regarding your Alcalde, a new one has been appointed by the King himself! It is I who will be taking over.
The moment His majesty read my report of the tyranny going on in Los Angeles, he immediately ordered the arrest of Luis Ramon and that I succeed him. We will arrive in two days time. After the arrest of Ramon, we will be granting a full and absolute pardon to El Zorro. I trust you will want to be present for this. I would appreciate it if you could keep this under wraps.
Until then, amigo!
Pablo Cortez
Alejandro smiled happily. Everything was going to work out.
Victoria opened her eyes to find Diego still lying next to her. She leaned forward and touched her lips to his. Diego opened his eyes and smiled at her. "Victoria!"
She attempted to sit up. She was still a little weak so he helped her. "No doubt you're hungry."
"Si, a little."
"I'll have Maria prepare something for you."
He was about to open the door when there was a knock. "Father."
Alejandro looked over Victoria. "Gracias, Dios!" he exclaimed. "There has been so much good news today. Diego, I just received a letter from Don Pablo Cortez!"
He went on to explain the details of the letter. "This last piece of information will be of most interest to the both of you."
"What is it, Don Alejandro?" Victoria asked. A new Alcalde was certainly the best news she could have hoped for. What else could there be?
"Don Pablo brings a decree from the King. A full and absolute pardon for Zorro."
Diego's eyes widened. The day he had been waiting for was at hand. Once Pablo Cortez took over as Alcalde, he could retire and live a wonderful life with Victoria.
"This is so wonderful!" Victoria exclaimed. "Everything I've been dreaming of is about to come true!"
Alejandro smiled at the couple. "Well, Diego, all you have to do now is decide whether or not to tell the pueblo who you are or keep the identity of the masked legend a secret."
Two days later, Diego, Victoria, and Alejandro went into town. Felipe had already arrived and hidden Zorro's things in the usual spot. Everyone was happy to see the tavern owner, especially Sergeant Mendoza.
"Senorita!" he said. "It is good to see you!"
"And you too, Sergeant," she replied with a smile.
The conversation would have to wait as horses came thundering into the pueblo. Alejandro immediately recognized his friend, Pablo Cortez. He turned to say something to Diego, but he was gone.
Victoria looked around and shrugged. "That's Zorro for you," she whispered in his ear.
