Chapter 16 [Rancho Montoya]

Manolito grimaced. His head pounded under the bandages. He flexed his fingers grabbing cotton and linens instead of the expected dirt. ¿Donde estoy? He slowly opened his eyes.

Around him, his bed chamber came into focus at his father's ranch.

"How did I get back here?" He looked around the chamber. "Mercedes? Where is she?"

The servant watching him jumped to his feet. "Manolito! You're awake!"

"Si. I am awake. Where is my father's guest? Is she here?" Manolito demanded.

"I will get Don Sebastian! I will be back!" The man rushed out of the chamber.

"No Mercedes but I get my father. Truly this is a nightmare." Manolito slumped back into the pillows. He frowned. Consternation burned through his eyes threatening to scorch twin marks in the ceiling.

"¡Mio hijo!" Sebastian cheered while rushing into the room. "You are awake!"

"Yes, Papa. I am very much awake. I do feel like someone is trying to tear my head off. Did you get Sanchez and those Comancheros?" Manolito replied.

"No, Manolito. We did not. I sent three vaqueros to the High Chaparral to fetch John Cannon and Victoria. I imagine they will bring assistance," Sebastian continued.

"¿Es verdad? Big John knows there is a problem. I wonder if someone had thought as much a few days ago if I would be here right now? At least tell me that Mercedes is all right," Manolito huffed.

"Manolito, I regret to tell you this." Sebastian rubbed the back of his neck. "When Señora Lopez led the vaqueros to you, the Comancheros had left. They took the young lady with them."

"They took her?" Manolito ground his teeth. He smacked the mattress. "Did I NOT tell you that Sanchez would do that? Did I not, Papa? Oh, there's no problem you said! There's nothing to worry about, you said!" He shook his head. Fury burned in his craw.

"Calm down. We are searching…." Sebastian started.

"Calm down? CALM DOWN? Papa, Mercedes is my fiancée! Sanchez will do unspeakable things to her. We have to find her! So si. I will not calm down!" Manolito fumed. "You probably do not really approve anyhow."

Sebastian stared at him. "Disapprove of Señorita Vega de la Granada? Oh, my Son! On the contrary, I wholeheartedly approve! She is from a good family. I am friends with her parents. It is a suitable match for you." He squeezed Manolito's hand. "I want her back as much as you do."

Manolito arched an eyebrow. "You said you approve?"

Sebastian nodded. "Si. I do."

"What is your game, Papa? You want something," Manolito demanded.

"Game?" Sebastian sucked in a deep breath. "Ah. Our games and little jokes. You think this is like last year? I learned my lesson from dealing with that woman, Anita, and her eleven brothers." He rolled his eyes at the mention of that incident. "I ask one thing of you, Manolo. You should consider your fiancée's feelings on certain matters. She was bred to be the Donna of a rancho like this one. I do not believe she would want to be a rancher's wife."

"And you'd conveniently give us that opportunity? You are so transparent, Papa!" Manolito scoffed.

"I know you are content playing the American cowboy at the High Chaparral. Still what happens after I am gone? You are my heir whether you like it or not. You have to grow up and take responsibility sometime!" Sebastian demanded. He put his hand up. "I know. You do not want that."

But I do. Manolito averted his eyes. He remembered what he'd said to Mercedes only a few days earlier. He knew he'd admitted to as much. Still he wasn't ready to say as much to his father. Not yet. He felt as if he was surrendering as much to the elder Montoya….

…still this was for Mercedes….

"Papa."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Si."

"I will speak to Mercedes again. Then we shall talk. Before that, I will not make any promises," Manolito conceded.

"Bueno. I will have Pepe bring you some soup. I am happy that you are awake. Rest now," Sebastian concluded before departing.

Manolito shook his head. What is this world coming to? Love has me. I consider this life and giving into my father. ¡Ah, Mia Mercedes! I pray help finds you soon. As soon as I am able, I will! He went back to staring at the ceiling.

Helplessness did stink….