Diego entered the room silently, like a fox. He wanted to see this long lost uncle before he had to interact with him, and his curiosity was running scenarios about what had divided the brothers all those years ago.
The older man stood facing the fireplace, where the main entrance to the secret passage opened into the cave. A hand rested a whisker away from the opening mechanism. Diego held his breath, hoping that the door would not open, revealing his secrets.
"My father built this hacienda, did you know that? I was born here, and your father too."
The statement sat strangely in the air. Sebastian de la Vega had good hearing, Diego thought. Very good hearing. A lot better than most of the soldiers on sentry duty.
"We were educated in Madrid from a young age, as most Spanish caballero's sons are."
Sebastian de la Vega turned and regarded Diego with amusement. "What is bothering you, my young cub?"
Cub? Diego frowned and folded his arms. Turn of phrase or something else? What did he mean by it? Diego told himself not to rise to any conclusions if his uncle was baiting him, it was best to ignore it.
"I was wanting to see your father," Sebastian said calmly. He ran a finger over a long silver scar that was as long as his left cheek. "Is he indisposed?" A strange light came to the man's eyes.
"I am sure I can see you instead. I am fully capable of acting in my father's behalf," Diego said, seriously. "In all matters."
Sebastian's eyes twinkled again with amusement. "In all matters?"
"If necessary," Diego said with a nod.
"You seem to be under the delusion that your father has something to fear from me?"
"Doesn't he?"
"We might not have seen each other for almost thirty years, but I wish no harm to come to your father," Sebastian said.
"Would you care for some Madiera?" Diego said, relaxing slightly. The man wasn't even wearing a sword, but that meant nothing. He couldn't take his uncle's word for truth, he wasn't sure about this stranger. He seemed to be a gentleman, and that was enough to offer hospitality at least.
"I would love some. Shall I sit?"
"Of course, senor."
"You can call me uncle if you wish." Diego nodded, as he poured a glass of Madeira and a glass of water.
"You have no taste for wine?"
"I find I like my head clear when discussing business."
"Wise head on young shoulders."
"What is it that has prompted you to visit? After all, you say it has been thirty years."
"I would really prefer to talk to your father about this."
"I would really prefer to leave him out of this right now."
Sebastian met Diego's cool stare and smiled. "Alright young cub. I will talk to you. Alejandro will have to brought in eventually, as you will soon discover."
Diego frowned, still unnerved by the phrase.
"You are bristling like a puma. A tiny puma," Sebastian said, answering his unspoken question. "I have had experience with pumas...and their cubs." Sebastian paused and looked towards the fireplace in a strange gesture. "You were thinking of some other creature?"
"I have no idea what you mean."
"Very well. I won't call you that anymore if it offends you," Sebastian said with a shrug.
"I'd rather you didn't."
"I came here to ask for help. I know we have had differences in the past, but Alejandro would want to help."
"Tell me what the problem is," Diego said. He sat in the nearby chair. He focused on the other man's body language, noting that the man was completely relaxed while he himself was edgy.
"I have a son. About your age, and he looks quite a lot like you. I have lost contact with him, and I think he may be in trouble."
"In trouble?" Diego couldn't help thinking of Alonso, lying deeply asleep in one of the hacienda's guest rooms. "What sort of trouble?"
"Sebastian?" Alejandro had entered the room and had frozen in place, staring blankly at his brother.
"Alejandro," Sebastian said, rising from his chair. "I must apologise for not visiting before now. I didn't know who could help me. You know me, I won't have to trust a stranger, and I can't trust a stranger. This could be life or death for several people I hold very dear."
"Diego," Alejandro said, noticing his son. "I need to speak to your uncle in private for a few minutes."
"Let the puppy stay, Alejandro. What is he, twelve?"
"Are you sure?"
"I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it."
Alejandro hesitated and nodded. "Very well."
"Diego, your uncle followed our father's example and went into military intelligence. Most of his missions are classified as national secrets," Alejandro said. "Are you retired now?"
"Yes, but I stay interested. My son, Alonso, has taken my place."
"Alonso?" Alejandro and Diego said together.
"You know my son?"
"He is here, recovering."
Sebastian glanced towards the door. "How badly hurt is he?"
"A graze, nothing more. He was exhausted and slightly affected by the cold. He is sleeping peacefully," Diego said, rushing to reassure his uncle.
"Apart from the nightmares," Alejandro added. "He has had a few over the last few hours."
"I need to see him...But I can wait. Let him sleep."
"What is all this about?"
"There was a breach in the team. My old team, we are all retired, but we stay informed. Sir Matthew and Lady Elizabeth were killed and certain documents have gone missing. Their children are missing, and I fear the worst."
"What sort of documents?" Diego asked, with curiosity.
"Secret documents," Sebastian said sharply. Alejandro shot him a glance and a frown. "A list of retired agents, and prominent people. I believe that revolutionary ideas have spread from Spain to Mexico and could affect all of California if we don't get to the bottom of it."
"Many people are disturbed by the French usurper," Diego said thoughtfully. "The partial occupation of Spain has divided the people, and some French ideas are very tempting."
"Yes, well, there is talk that Mexico and its troubles will shortly overthrow the Spanish authorities, and if that happens all Spaniards could be in danger."
"Theories are all very nice, but what is it that we must do?" Alejandro said, derailing their confusion quickly.
"We need to find the children. If possible the documents will need to be retrieved as well, or we need to evacuate several prominent families. I believe that their lives might be in danger."
"Do we know where the documents might be? Do we know who has them now?" Diego asked.
"Alonso might know."
"How?"
"He sent me a message about the murders of Sir Matthew and Lady Elizabeth, and...," Sebastian said, his voice unexpectedly shaking. He cleared his throat and took a sip of wine. Diego was intrigued.
"Well, the fact is that he was first on the scene, and would know anything that could possibly give us a clue," he added. His composure had returned to him, and Alejandro raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"We have Clara safe and sound in the nursery," Diego said. Sebastian stared at him with surprise.
"Clara? That's wonderful. She might be able to lead us to the others, and we can have all of them safe."
"Yes, that is the idea, Sebastian," Alejandro said.
"But why was she wandering around on her own?" Sebastian asked with concern. "Is she hurt?"
"Not hurt in the slightest," Alejandro assured him.
"I need to see my son. I won't wake him yet, but I need to see him."
"Come, I will take you to him," Alejandro said encouragingly. "I can assure you he is recovering well."
zzz
The older men left the room together, leaving Diego to finish his water alone. He stood and made his way to the mantlepiece, running his fingers along the edge. The spring catch was instant and soundless, and the door swung open at his touch. He disappeared into the cave and closed the door behind him.
He sat at his desk and playing with a pencil for a moment, before scribbling notes on the pieces of paper that were always out for that purpose. Felipe turned from grooming Toronado, startled at his entry, and then smiled at him.
"It's been a while since Toronado has had a good run," Diego said after a few moments. He glanced at the black suit hanging up within arm's reach, and he itched to wear it. He had healed up weeks ago from the encounter with Risendo, and Victoria was pining for her hero.
He had thought she might recognise him if he had patience. But she had recognised him? Maybe? Hopefully, she had shelved the idea for now. Sometimes, he reminded himself, it was wise to be careful what you wished for, the complications were too confusing.