The morning came early and Alejandro rubbed his weary eyes before pushing himself out of bed. He dressed slowly, trying to give Diego an extra few minutes of sleep. Alejandro splashed water on his face and tried to wash away the tiredness. He knew he was tired and it showed. Hopefully this ordeal would soon be over and both he and Diego could finally rest.
At the thought of Diego, Alejandro frowned. He had always thought Diego a passive, gentle man, but within hours he had learned that his son was a master with the sword and because of it a man was now dead. Alejandro knew Diego did only what he thought he must, but the idea of his son ever taking a life set heavy on Alejandro. He knew the burden men bear after taking a life, and he would never wish that upon his child.
Alejandro shook his head and returned his thoughts to this morning. He wished he had not promised to wake Diego. Yesterday had taken its toll and Alejandro knew his son was still not fully healed. He never should have left the house yesterday. If I had only said no, none of this would be happening, Alejandro chided himself, though he knew in his heart that Ignacio would have entered their life sometime in the near future.
Alejandro walked the short distance to his son's room and knocked on the door, "Diego, are you awake? It is just after six."
"Gracias, Father. I will be out in a few minutes," came the sleepy reply.
"I will see you at breakfast Diego," Alejandro said. He made his way to the breakfast table that sat in a small room that adjoined the kitchen. A square table sat in the middle of the room. Two windows adorned the outside wall and a family portrait hung on the west wall. Alejandro glanced at the portrait and smiled slightly. Even when young, Diego took after his mother. He had her hazel eyes and her tall graceful frame. Alejandro missed his Elena, especially when he couldn't help his son. His wife always knew what to say to Diego. She could read her son's every expression and knew exactly what he was thinking. Alejandro could never read his son. At times like this, he would seek his wife's advice, but now Alejandro could only rely on his own understanding of Diego. He just hoped he could help his son.
Alejandro shifted his gaze to the doorway and nodded as Don Fernando entered. "Buenos dias, amigo," Alejandro greeted.
"Buenos dias. I saw Diego in the hall. He said he will be down as soon as he finds Bernardo." Don Fernando said as he took his place at the table. He loved this small room. The windows on the east wall caught the morning sun and washed the room in a golden light. The view from the windows overlooked rolling hills and trees. Don Fernando had always enjoyed eating in the comfortable little room, and had tried to recreate a similar space in his own home. The effect was close, but it was not as beautiful as the view Don Alejandro had created.
"Buenos dias, señores. I hope you slept well," Don Diego greeted as he entered the room. He sat at the foot of the table, opposite his father, and smiled at the two men. He hoped he didn't look as tired as he felt. He had never fallen back to sleep after his dream, but lay awake replaying yesterday over and over in his mind.
"Buenos dias, Diego," Alejandro smiled at his son. "It is good to finally share a breakfast together," Don Alejandro joked. Since his beating, Diego had not emerged from his room before nine o'clock, with his father's urging.
"Don't blame me father. You were the one who decided I should sleep in." Diego chuckled knowing this was his father's attempt to start the day off in a good light.
"I believe he has you there Alejandro. Of course, Diego has been taking your advice for years now," Don Fernando remarked, a smile splitting his face.
"True. True." Diego relented as Maria entered with their breakfast.
The men enjoyed a breakfast of fruits and eggs, as they discussed the working of the ranch, the sunny morning, and Don Fernando's attempt to recreate Don Alejandro's breakfast room in his own home. The three gentlemen laughed at old stories and old times. For now, yesterday and the previous weeks had never occurred.
Unfortunately for the men, the peaceful morning did not last long. Don Alejandro and Don Fernando had just stepped into the bright sunlight when the sounds of riders reached them. Not expecting Don Carlos and the others back until later in the morning, neither man could guess who the visitors were going to be. They were shocked to see Captain Monastario and Sergeant Garcia stop before the gates.
Don Fernando looked at Don Alejandro and then at their guests. He greeted the men as they neared the gate, "Commandante, Sergeant." Monastario nodded in return and Sergeant Garcia boomed out a good morning in his deep voice, "Buenos días, señores."
"Capitán, I see you have returned from Monterey. How was your trip? Pleasant I hope." Don Alejandro greeted the man politely, a fake smile on his face. He turned to the large man beside Monastario and the smile became real, "And you Sergeant, what do I owe the pleasure of your visit."
The sergeant grinned and dismounted. "I am merely escorting the commandante, Don Alejandro. Is Diego here?" The sergeant asked.
"Sí, he should be out any min…" Alejandro did not finish the sentence. The voice of his only child floated across the plaza, and Alejandro smiled slightly. It was always good to hear Diego's voice, especially after the beating.
"Sergeant, Commandante, what do we owe the pleasure? Was your trip successful, Commandante? You are back early." Diego asked as he made his way down the stairs from his room and into the plaza.
"Buenos días, Diego. I was just asking Don Alejandro if you were here. It is good to see you." Sergeant Garcia said.
"Just as good as it is to see you Sergeant." Diego smiled at his large friend. Diego chuckled beneath his breath as he watched the sergeant make his way toward him. Sergeant Garcia may work for a corrupt government, but the man himself was as good and childlike as they come.
Sergeant Garcia clasped a big hand around Diego's trim fingers. "You look well today." Garcia stopped and looked behind him at the Commandante talking to the two older Dons. Lowering his voice he turned back to Diego, "I heard what happened in the inn yesterday. That is what Capitan Monastario wishes to speak to you about."
Sergeant Garcia smiled before continuing, the lines around his eyes crinkled in amusement. "To think anyone would believe what that oaf said. I know you Don Diego. You are a just man."
Diego nodded his head and smiled. If the Sergeant only knew he had just called the Fox, the most wanted man in Southern California, a just man. The handsome Don's thoughts were disturbed by a rough voice. "The perfect caballero has finally managed to get his hands dirty." Monastario laughed dryly, his eyes showing none of the humor his voice suggested.
Disgust rose in Diego and he glanced at his hands. Were they indeed 'dirty' like Monastario suggested? Diego thought he had hidden that day in the back of his mind. He assumed it would just be one more thing he kept hidden, this time even from himself. Diego stared at his hands, a dark expression on his features.
"Diego?" Alejandro's voice broke through Diego's dark thoughts.
"Sí, Father," Diego asked as he looked into the concerned features of his father and Sergeant Garcia. The young Don could not tell what emotion had crossed Captain Monastario's face, but he was certain it was not concern. Curiosity, perhaps?
Captain Monastario watched as Diego's face resumed its usual careless expression, a slight smile upon his lips. What had he seen in the man's eyes? The amount of control the Don had on his feelings and how quickly he could reign in any stray emotion had always amazed the Capitán. Monastario knew there was more to the man then the placid attitude he showed to the world. He was a de la Vega, and Monastario was certain some of Alejandro's passions had been passed down to his son.
Diego was quite the contrast to his father. Alejandro was known for his temper and quickness to fight for what he believed in. Alejandro was not afraid of conflict, be it verbal or physical. He didn't delve into the more peaceful endeavors, leaving the art and science world to his studious son.
Diego, unlike his father, was quiet and slow to anger. Monastario could not remember a time when the Don had lost his temper, and he knew Diego's composure had been tested in the past. The Commandante was not certain why this revelation disturbed him, but he shook off the feeling and addressed Diego again.
"I heard about the incident in the tavern. What I want to know is if it is true." A grin spread across Monastario's face. He brushed a hand down his goatee as he waited for an answer. Monastario narrowed his eyes and ran a hand through his black hair. When Diego did not answer, he opened his mouth to repeat his question but stopped at the sound of horses. All of the men in the courtyard turned toward the gate to see three dons pulling up on their reigns. Don Carlos and his two companions, Don Rafael and Don Armando, dismounted and handed their horses to a young boy who ran up from the stables.
"Gracias, Felipe." Armando said as he patted the young man's head. Armando followed his two friends through the gate and into the courtyard. "Buenos dias, señores. The morning is treating you well I hope."
Don Alejandro stepped forward and grasped the hands of his three friends. "Buenos dias. It is good to see you. The Commandante and Sergeant Garcia were just leaving." Alejandro turned and shook the hand of the large sergeant. "Adios, my friend. We hope to see you again soon."
Alejandro nodded to the Capitán, "Adios, Commandante." Alejandro turned toward his new guests, "Maria has some lemonade inside. Diego are you joining us?"
"Sí, father. I will be in soon." Alejandro nodded and walked inside the cool hacienda. The four dons followed him and Diego was left alone with Sergeant Garcia and Capitán Monastario.
After the men had retreated into the hacienda, Monastario repeated his question. "Are the rumors I have heard about you true?
Diego's calculated response grated on Monastario's nerves. "That depends on what you heard?"
Monastario's grin vanished and was replaced with an exasperated twitch of his lips as they straightened into a compressed line. "I heard," Monastario quipped, emphasizing his words, "that you are not as inept as you have led us all to believe." The captain accentuated his words with a sweep of his hands.
Diego sighed. He wasn't in the mood to deal with the Spanish capitán. His head was beginning to hurt, and he knew his eyes did not hold the casual humor his face did. Reluctantly he answered the captain. "Sí, it is true."
The grin returned to the Commandante's face. Monastario never cared for Diego, why he was not certain, and seeing the son of Alejandro uneasy and off-balance was satisfying to the corrupt Capitán. Diego saw the smile return to the Commandante's lips. The image sent a slight shiver down his spine, and it took all Diego's control not to physically shudder at the expression of the Capitán. Diego knew that Monastario was piecing together what he knew, and Diego was aware it wouldn't be long before the man connected him with Zorro. Diego was certain Ignacio would eventually tell the Commandante what he knew; it was just a matter of time.
Diego frowned at a sudden thought. It could all be over tomorrow. All Ignacio had to do was talk to Monastario and tell him what he was like in Spain. It wouldn't take much for Monastario to figure out that Diego fit not only the physical description but, at one time had also, fit the character description of Zorro as well. Monastario will simply decide this new Diego was a means to hide Diego's similarity to Zorro. Diego, for the first time since donning the mask, was afraid that his escapades could come to an abrupt halt. The fox was fast becoming trapped in an ever closing net.
"So you have known how to fight since your return. Why is it that you never told anyone? Even your father." Monastario asked. Not waiting for a reply he continued, "Perhaps it is because you didn't want anyone to connect you to the exploits of a certain outlaw."
Diego feigned confusion, his head tilted slightly to the side, his lips pressed together in thought. "What exploits?"
"Do not act ignorant Diego. If there is one thing that remains constant with you, it is that you are far from being ignorant."
Diego smiled, a bemused expression born from the irony of his situation. His eyes grew darker, the light hazel losing the golden flecks. No, he wasn't dumb. But despite his intelligence he could not fathom a way out of the mess he found himself in.
Monastario shuddered at the expression on Diego's face. The smile seemed almost dark. It was nothing like the easy-going, careless smile Diego generally wore. Monastario did not know what the smile meant, but he knew Diego did not wear it because of pleasure. There was no humor in Diego's hazel eyes. Monastario thought they looked sullen, bemused. The sight disturbed Monastario and he turned his eyes away, instead focusing on the trees behind Diego.
"I am sure you know which 'exploits' I am talking about. I am growing impatient." Monastario glared at the man before him. "Tell me, Diego, why you never told anyone you could fight? Certainly there have been times when your…expertise would have been useful," Monastario said his voice light with humor. Despite what he had been told and Diego's admission he could not picture the Don as an expert swordsman. The awkward, blundering attempts he had seen before seemed far more likely than the outlandish claims he had been hearing.
Diego said nothing. What was there to say? He did not want to tell Monastario what he had told his father and the other dons last night. Diego respected his privacy and was not going to divulge any unneeded information to the Commandante. Instead he turned to the large Sergeant, "What do you think, Sergeant Garcia? Am I the masked bandit?"
Garcia looked at Diego, "I do not think so Diego. You are too calm and you do not like violence. I know Zorro almost as well as anyone, perhaps better. No…no, I am certain he is not you. I told the Commandante that the last time he thought you were Zorro.
"Thank you Sergeant. Perhaps you would care to meet me at the tavern around 2:00 for some lunch?" Diego grinned as the sergeant's face brightened. He could always depend on Garcia to brighten his day. The Sergeant seemed to have more faith in Diego than he did himself.
"Sí, Diego. Sí. That sounds wonderful." The sergeant spoke quickly, his voice rising slightly in joy. Garcia never turned down a meal with Diego. Diego always listened to the sergeant and he never cared how much wine the sergeant drank. Diego was a good friend and Garcia always enjoyed the time spent with him.
"Good, Sergeant. I will see you in a few hours." Diego shook Sergeant Garcia's large hand and nodded to the Commandante.
"We have not finished this conversation Diego," the Commandante warned. "Come on Sergeant," he said as he headed toward the gate and his horse. Monastario was frustrated that he did not get any admissions from Diego. He would find Zorro, Monastario promised himself.
Diego watched as the men disappeared. His normally handsome face was drawn into an uncharacteristic scowl. His lips were turned down and small wrinkles traced their way between his down cast eyes. Diego took a deep breath and willed his stomach to stop turning. Diego slumped, his shoulders falling out of their normally straight position.
He felt trapped and the feeling was unsettling. He had never before been in a position where he doubted his ability to escape, yet he could not see a way out of the trap he was caught in. Ignacio Fuentes could very possible end Diego's life as Zorro and perhaps Diego's life altogether. The thought was chilling and despite the heat of the morning sun Diego shivered.
A hand patted Diego's shoulder and he jumped slightly. He turned to look into the worried brown eyes of his friend Bernardo. "I am fine Bernardo. Just a little tired."
Bernardo shook his head and rolled his eyes. "I could never deceive you my friend. Perhaps you are right. I am worried about Ignacio. He knows far too much about me. This could all be over soon Bernardo." A sudden thought occurred to Diego, "Bernardo you must leave. If they find out who I am they will connect you to Zorro as well. You are in danger my friend."
Bernardo signed that he wasn't going anywhere. Diego grasped his friends arm to show his appreciation. In reality, he did not want his friend to go. Bernardo was the only one Diego could talk to, his only confidant besides Tornado.
"Now what is it you were sent to tell me? Does father want me inside? Yes. Come on then. I am sure you want some of Maria's lemonade as well." Bernardo smiled and lead Diego into the hacienda. The building felt cool in the early morning and Diego relished the feeling, knowing all to well the heat of summer was fast approaching. Bernardo followed Diego into the house.
TBC
A/N: Thanks for everyone who has reviewed.