A/N: I have most of this story written, I'm just posting it one chapter at a time to be annoying and to get a response.

Chapter 2

Martinez stood and poured himself a drink, offering one to Diego who politely refused. "Now there is a question, that I am not ready to answer. I can tell you who I'd like for the job if you'd wish."

Diego nodded for him to go on. Martinez took a breath before speaking. "I would like, for Zorro to become the next Alcalde, or rather the man who is Zorro."

Diego was shocked. This man wanted him to be the Alcalde, what did he know about running a garrison and being in charge of the defense of the pueblo.

"Why Zorro? You do not even know who he is. How do you know if he will make a good Alcalde without even knowing who he is?"

"The only thing I do not know about him is his name. I can think of many reasons why he would make a good Alcalde though." Martinez waited for Diego to say something.

Diego hesitated before finally letting his curiosity get the better of him. "What reasons would those be?"

"Look what is known about Zorro. He fights the oppression of the people every day so he won't be a tyrant. He is willing to sacrifice everything to help the pueblo, so he won't work to help himself but he will help others. He is skilled with a blade, so he can train the lancers, he sounds well educated, so he can make wise decisions. Zorro is respected by the people and feared by those who do wrong so he would not be challenged often. What more can you ask for in an Alcalde?"

Diego thought about this for a while. It was true, that was what they wanted for an alcalde, but was it worth the sacrifices he would have to make to do take command.

"Would you like me to put you offer in the article, or will you be asking him when he recieves his pardon?"

"I shall ask him when he recieves his pardon, this way I won't have people thinking either good or bad about the decision until its made. So do you have all you need for the article."

"Yes. What was it you wanted to ask me?"

"I wanted to ask you if you thought Zorro would accept my offer."

"I must honestly say that I do not know. I would suggest you bring your idea up with Senorita Escalante as I'm sure she will have a big influence in the matter."

"I might just do that. I look forward to reading your article." Martinez looked thoughtful.

"Buenos Dias, Senor." Diego gathered his things and headed for the Guardian office to begin working on the article. The coming fiesta would be a party to remember.

By the time Diego finished laying the type for the next issue of the Guardian, it was dark outside and most of the pueblo was headed to their beds for a good night sleep.

This was probably the reason Diego was so startled by the knock on the office door and the gentle call of his name from the voice on the other side.

"Diego, are you still there?" Came Victoria's soft voice.

Diego moved to the door wiping the ink that had gotten onto his hands onto a towel that he had on the desk. He opened the door and smiled as he spotted the tray in Victoria's hands.

"I brought you something to eat as you haven't been out of that office since you went in there early this afternoon. I figured you would be hungry and Maria will be angry if you go home this late without having ate all day."

Diego smiled. "That she will. She would never let me hear the end of it if I tried to sneak a late meal without her knowing. Thank you." he said as he sat at his desk where she had placed the tray of food.

Victoria looked torn between keeping him company and getting back to the tavern.

"Sit down, you've been on your feet all day and I would be honored if you would keep me company while I eat this delicious meal you made." Diego gestured to a chair, selfishly wanting her to stay.

Victoria took the seat across from him and they began talking of what was happening in the Pueblo and of the coming fiesta. When Diego was done he showed her the article he had written about Zorro's pardon and the invitation to unmask from the new Governor.

"Oh Diego, how can I ever thank you for this. I can't wait till the fiesta. I've been working on a new dress since I heard." Victoria began gathering the dishes she had brought with a dreamy expression on her face.

"I should be getting home before Father gets too angry that I was at the office so late. I appreciate you coming Victoria, it was a wonderful meal."

"It was the least I could do for you after you agreed to help me. I shall see you tomorrow then Diego. Buenos Noches." Victoria said as she began to cross the plaza.

Diego gathered what little he needed to take home before locking up and heading home for the night. He would print and distribute the paper tomorrow and Friday, he would be a free man once again. He only hoped that by Saturday he would still be engaged and in one piece after Victoria found out who her masked hero was.

End Chapter

A/N: This was originally two chapters but I figured it would work as one longer chapter instead of two incredibly short chapters. not that you lot will complain about more to read.