Chapter 9

Zorro was still on his knees when the jangle of the keys cut through his misery. He got to his feet as she came through the cell door. And then she was in his arms. He clung to her like a drowning man grasping at a lifeline. He whispered her name over and over as she hugged him close. Long minutes passed with the two locked in each other's arms.

At last, Zorro drew apart from her. Explanations had to be given. Many things had to be said. And both were very aware of the need to keep their voices down, so they spoke in near whispers.

"Victoria, thank you for coming. If ever I needed you, it is tonight." His eyes glistened with unshed tears. He sat down slowly on the cot and she sat down beside him. "I am not sure what is going to happen next. I may ...hang."

"No! Mendoza says it was an accident! They would never -"

"A man is dead and I am responsible. I don't know if a magistrate will believe that what happened in that office tonight was an accident. I am not sure if I believe it."

She started to protest and he stopped her. "Shhh... Victoria, I was angry. I wanted to scare him, but a part of me did want to kill him. And I do not think I can deny that in a courtroom."

"But Mendoza will testify that —"

"Yes, the sergeant will tell the truth as he knows it. But the truth is that if I had not entered that office tonight, De Soto would still be alive. The alcalde was an evil man but he did not deserve to die. No man is —"

"'No man is totally evil'?" she repeated. "Yes, you have said that before."

He turned his head quickly to look into her eyes. "I said that before?"

"Yes, you did. You may have been dressed differently at the time." She allowed herself a slight smile.

Their eyes locked. Now, each knew the other's secret.

"Hmm. Correct me if I am wrong, but you ahve always been partial to black."

"Yes, well, I've been thinking that I could get used to a less somber wardrobe on you, if given some time."

"Time is something I may not have."

"No, don't even talk like that! This will work out. You did not kill De Soto. It was an accident. I believe it and so will everyone else!" She would not let him sink back down into that dark way of thinking. "If you're going to insist upon staying in here, I think I had better tell certain people you're here, don't you think?"

"Yes, that would be a good idea. Victoria, my father doesn't know. I am not sure it would be a good idea to tell him now. I —"

"What about," she looked over her shoulder to make sure the door to the outside office was still closed, "what about Felipe? He knows, doesn't he?"

"Yes. Zorro could not exist without his help. You have figured it all out, haven't you?"

"And it hasn't been an easy task. This mask is not the only one you've worn. The other one has been even more concealing. I just hope you know how to remove it when the time comes."

"And I just hope I live long enough to do so. What will you tell my father?"

"Do you think he suspects?"

"Sometimes I could swear he does, but I really don't think so. Let Felipe lead him to believe I've had a sudden urge to go to San Pedro to see a friend. We have used it as an excuse before. Oh, and Tornado is out behind the church. Felipe will have to take him home. I am not sure he would let you near him. He has been rather temperamental since the storms."

"That seems like a long time ago."

"Yes. You'd better be going. The good sergeant may grow curious soon. And I would prefer you not be on the road too late. I cannot believe I am allowing you to —"

"If I don't, Felipe will be worried. And if you're really serious about staying in jail, Don Alejandro needs to know. He would want to know if Zorro was in jail. I have no doubt that he will come right away to offer you help in getting a lawyer."

"Yes, he probably will. I just don't know if I should —"

"I know. Just try to think about it. Sort it out. I'll be back soon. Try not to worry. And don't be too hard on yourself. You are not a killer, whatever you're letting yourself believe, right now. It was an accident. Even the padre said so."

"He wasn't there."

"But he is a wise man and I'm sure Mendoza has told him exactly what happened. I have only just found out the true man behind the mask. Do not, for one minute, think that I will let anything stand between that man and me. And that means a judge, a jury, the gallows, or even Zorro's sense of justice!" She pulled his head down so she could reach his lips. She kissed him long and hard to show him her strength. For tonight, she was to be strong for him.