Samuel Colt allowed the eldery man ahead of him into the coach. The man seemed doddery and a little senile, with a grey beard and a hunched posture.
"Thank you young man. It is rare to see such kindness," the man said in his shaky voice. English with just the hint of an accent.
He didn't know why the elderly man had attracted his attention. Maybe his clothes. Obviously a gentleman of some wealth by the looks of the clothes. Coach travel was hard going and anyone with any money preferred a more private journey. Especially the older generation.
"Where are you travelling to, sir?" Colt asked when the coach jolted into motion.
"San Francisco," came the answer. "My nephew is on the verge of an unfortunate entanglement, and needs a guiding hand."
San Francisco, Colt mused. That was his destination also. A tremor went through him, before he shook himself. What did he have to fear from a feeble old man? He had uttered no threat, no insult, nothing. He was jumping at shadows, on edge, and he was vaguely disturbed.
He had ventured out to meet his confederate, the bandit leader, an hour before the coach arrived. The man wasn't at the meeting place. No word, no message and no man. Not even a lackey giving an excuse. Something had happened. Just what he couldn't say, couldn't even guess. He would have to return as planned and think on it on the journey. Perhaps there was an enemy working against him?
He shifted in his seat, frowned and tried to consider his travelling companion. A conversation would be a good way to put his racing thoughts in their place.
"Where does your nephew live? I am heading to San Francisco myself. I may know him or of him," Colt said, thinking of finding some common ground. "What's his name?"
"Drake. Paul Drake. My late sister's boy."
He had heard of Drake. A prominent businessman's youngest son, Paul Drake was a strapping young 25 year old with a gentleman's skills in boxing and fencing. His horses were of the best stock and he was already building his own fortune. A very eligible bachelor indeed.
"Paul is very successful and at an age where his heart is easily turned. I hope I am in time to steer him right."
Colt thought a man of 25 ought to do whatever he pleased. He wasn't close with Drake, and knew him only by reputation, but he felt a twinge of pity.
"We haven't really been introduced. My name is Montgolfier, Juan Montgolfier. Or John if you'd rather."
The name sat strangely in Colt's mind before he dismissed it with a shake of his head. He must have heard it talked about in town. It still increased the sense of unease in the pit of his stomach.
"No. Juan is just fine sir," Colt said. "My name is Colt, Samuel Colt. Pleased to have made your acquaintance, Montgolfier."
"And I your's sir. These journeys weary me so, I am afraid. I will surely sleep most of the day." He yawned. "I will apologize ahead of time to save embarrassment."
"Apologies are quite unnecessary sir. I understand completely." Colt knew his elderly relatives had similar issues. He just hoped the old man didn't snore too loudly.
Zzz
Diego had woken easily an hour before dawn, and had applied the false beard, several other theatrical embellishments and had unfolded a folded cane. It was more a prop than a sturdy support but would do for show.
He sent Toronado back to his stable with a note in his bridle. He had to at least let Felipe know his immediate plans. The rest would play out as necessary. He had factored in the probable city that was Colt's destination. Diego had several friends in San Francisco that would assist him if approached.
He hadn't taken the role of elderly man since university but he felt confident that the pretense would be easily convincing. Colt might think highly of himself but he hadn't encountered Zorro before.
Zzz
Victoria rested in the nursery near the children, tossing and turning. Sleep was fleeting and she gave up on trying to sleep early. Pacing the floor was useless but it was calming to be actually moving.
One of the girls let out a shrill scream, making Victoria run to her bedside. She was still asleep, having a nightmare.
"Lizzie, you're only dreaming sweetheart. It's alright. I'm here." Victoria smoothed the girl's straw blonde hair out of her face.
Alonso and Sebastian appeared in the doorway of the room, guns at the ready. They startled Victoria.
"We thought there may have been an intruder," Alonso explained as he concealed his weapon.
"What's going on?" Charles said, sleepily.
"Go back to sleep, lad. You've got a lot of rest to catch up on," Sebastian said gently. He met Victoria's eyes and nodded. Then the men disappeared heading back to their own rooms.
Lizzie whimpered in her sleep. Victoria stroked her hair and murmured soothing words.
"Mama," Lizzie murmured. "Oh, Mama."
"It's alright. Everything will be alright." Victoria hoped it would be alright. There were so many things still unsure. Where was Diego? Was he alright?