Diego sat up slowly. "What are you talking about Commandante?"
"If you think that I am going to fall for such a simple trick, Diego, you are mistaken. I am not as stupid as you seem to think. That was not Zorro last night."
"If it wasn't Zorro then who was it?" Diego asked innocently as he sat up and leaned against the headboard for support.
"That is what you are going to tell me." Monastario glared at Alejandro as he stepped between him and Diego. Don Carlos stood at Monastario's right side and Sergeant Garcia edged toward his left, his large body crowding the Commandante, but he ignored the man's presence and instead focused on the Dons who were still filing into the room. "This is not your concern. I am questioning Diego and if you don't want to spend the rest of the day in prison, you will not try to hinder me."
Alejandro suppressed the urge to yell at the daft man. Instead, he inhaled deeply and calmed his nerves before speaking. "Diego is injured. Doctor Hernandez said you could see Diego late this morning. He has not even had breakfast. You may ask Diego any question you wish after he has eaten and freshened up. Now…get out."
"No. You have no authority to give me an order. I have had enough of you and your friends threatening me. You may be Dons, but you have very little real power. I am a government official and I will not let you or anyone else stand in my way. Zorro will be in my custody very shortly, gentlemen, and there is little you can do to stop me." Monastario straightened his back and his hand shifted to his sword. He may not be able to beat Diego but he knew he could handle the other Dons, at least with Garcia's aid. The Commandante cast a quick glance at his sergeant and his eyes widen in shock. Garcia had shifted to the other side of the bed and was adjusting Diego's coverlet. "Garcia…stop that. I want you to arrest any man who interferes with my questioning."
"But Commandante, Alejandro said Doctor Hernandez forbid you questioning him until after he had eaten breakfast. It should not take long…I will go to the kitchen and bring him something to eat." Garcia was nearly to the door before Monastario stopped him.
"Sergeant. If you step out that door do not come back. I will simply find a new Sergeant who obeys orders." The Capítan's face was red and his eyes dark as he glared at Sergeant Garcia. Monastario felt as if the world was against him. Even his own man was a nuisance. He did not care who tried to stop him, short of being dragged from the room Monastario was not leaving until he had finished questioning Diego. And then…and then he would be back with a squad to arrest Diego for treason.
Diego waved his father aside. "It is fine, Father. Let the Commandante ask his questions. I would rather be finished so I can go home. Now what did you want to know?"
Monastario felt his anger rise. Diego seemed so confident and so relaxed as though he had nothing to fear. He will not be so confident when he is standing on the gallows. Another thought came to Monastario but he dismissed it quickly. Diego was Zorro despite the innocence he was portraying. Crossing his arms Monastario repeated his question. "Who was the man behind the mask?"
Diego knew this was going to have to be one of his best performances. He had played the part of the innocent Diego for years, and now he was truly being put to the test. Diego looked at Monastario with amused eyes and laughed slightly. "Do you truly think I know Los Angeles greatest secret? I have only spoken to Zorro a couple of times. And in those few moments he did not see fit to divulge his identity. I would help you if I could, Commandante, he is after all an outlaw. But I fear I am at a loss."
Monastario growled between clenched teeth. How could one man be so infuriating? "I think you know who the masked bandit is because you asked him to play the part of the cunning Fox. You are the real Zorro, Diego, and I want an answer to my previous question. Who was the horseman?"
Diego was truly annoyed at the persistence of the man. He would turn himself in long before he gave Monastario Ramiro's name. "As I have said, I do not know. I am not Zorro nor am I in league with the man. Let me ask you question. Every man, woman, and child in the pueblo knew that man was Zorro. They have cheered him and watched him since the beginning. They know his moves, his voice, his words, do you really think most of the pueblo could be fooled. And what of your own soldiers? Ask them. I am certain they will tell you that the man in the mask and cape was indeed Zorro. The soldiers have been chasing him long enough to know if it is the real Zorro or not."
Turning to Garcia, Diego addressed him, "What of you Sergeant. Do you think someone was playing the part of El Zorro or was that truly the masked bandito?"
Garcia looked around the room. Everyone stood watching him and he fidgeted under their watchful gazes. The Commandante stood with his arms crossed, his dark brown eyes focused solely on Garcia. Hesitantly Garcia answered his voice deep and wavering, "Sí, it was the real Zorro. I have chased him enough to know what he looks like and I have talked to him several times. It was him. I would swear it." Garcia said. He bowed his head under the penetrating gaze of his Capitán.
"Garcia you are an idiot." Monastario fumed. Perhaps, he admitted reluctantly, he was mistaken. Was he so determined to capture Zorro that he was imagining things that were not there. Diego did look innocent as he laid there, his dark hair over his forehead and his face slightly flushed. Looking at him now, Monastario could not picture the man as Zorro. Last night, in the shadows of the evening, Diego had looked the part of hero and legend. His sword moved with a grace and speed Monastario had rarely seen. Aside from Ignacio, Zorro was the only other master swordsman he had encountered. Perhaps there could be three masters. After all, Diego would not fight until his servant was injured. In Monastario's mind this was not the act of a warrior. But as he had rationalized last night, Diego had simply been playing his part of passive Don.
Doubt crept further into Monastario's mind but he pushed it aside. Even if he was wrong, he was going to finish his questioning. He simply could not shake the feeling that Diego was Zorro. "Why had Zorro not come to your aid before? Why didn't he search for Bernardo?"
"Simple. I told no one save the men in this room. They did not know how to get a message to Zorro and I found Bernardo before Zorro heard the news. He did not have time to help."
A sudden thought came to Diego and he continued before Monastario could ask another question. "I heard Zorro had ridden after the men who attacked me last month. Although he did not find them he still looked for them. I was still in bed and injured. I was unable to ride, yet your soldiers saw Zorro riding the hills. If I am Zorro, how could I have been in bed and in the hills at the same time? I am not Zorro, Commandante. He is a man to be admired and respected. But I am not a fighter. I may know how to fight, but I prefer to keep to my studies and my writing. I was born a scholar, Capitán, but I was taught to fight. I do not enjoy it - at least not since the incident with Benicio and Arturo."
Monastario shifted his weight to his left foot. Was Diego telling the truth? Monastario did not know. He had come prepared to arrest Diego, but now…now he was not so certain Diego was Zorro. The man seemed to be telling the truth and Monastario could not find any fault in his answer. His mind told him that perhaps he was wrong, that Diego was simply Diego and Zorro was still beyond the Capitán's grasp. But his instincts told him he was right, that the educated and studious Don was the masked bandit, that the cunning Fox was simply playing one more game.
Monastario decided to act on his instinct. He had spent to many years all ready chasing the shadows and dust of Zorro to let him slip away now. One more try, he reasoned. One more try to get the man to say something that would entrap him. If this didn't work, he argued to himself, he would simply sit back and watch and wait for Diego to mess up. Sooner or later the masked bandit would falter and Monastario would close in and ensnare the Fox. "You are a great actor Diego. I applaud you. I have seen few who could put on a performance like you have all these years. It must have been difficult to hide behind that stoic façade, to squelch the urge to feel for the peons and to raise your arm in defense. You are your father's son, Diego, I am certain of that. But what better way to hide your exploits than to become the complete opposite of your counterpart, to hide in the open, as clear as the sun in summer."
"I do not wear two faces, Commandante. I may not be the man everyone thought I should be, but that does not change the fact that I am simply a scholar and poet. I help the vaqueros, the Indians, and the peons as much as I can. I may not raise my hand in action, but I help them to regain their feet. I do fight Commandante, just not how you or my father fight."
Alejandro smiled at his son. If only I had realized that sooner, Alejandro chided himself, I could have saved both me and Diego some grief. Alejandro, while he was worried about Monastario, knew that the Dons of Los Angeles and others in Lower California would not let any harm come to Diego. Monastario may not believe they hold the power to stop him, but Alejandro knew that many of the Dons held the confidence of magistrates, military officials, and even the Governor. Alejandro himself knew the Governor of California and was prepared to write a letter explaining the situation and requesting the governor's interference. The letter was all ready written and ready to be delivered to Governor Hidalgo Sanchez the moment Monastario made the wrong move. Don Carlos was a good friend of the Lieutenant Governor and he was also willing write to his friend in Diego's behalf.
"Sí, mi Capitán. Diego is right. I have seen him help many people, myself included. He is not Zorro Commandante. I would know. I have talked to Zorro many times and would know if my good friend was Zorro." Sergeant Garcia spoke up from the side of the bed.
"Garcia, you would not know who Zorro was if he announced himself and unmasked before your eyes." Monastario retorted. Garcia looked hurt at the reproach and he turned his dark eyes to the bed cover, focusing on the ivy pattern that curled up the white cloth.
"Commandante, how is it that everyone else can see the truth but you. No one else suspects me of being Zorro. Your soldiers have chased Zorro for years yet they had no doubt it was Zorro who was in the plaza yesterday. Only you seem sure I am Zorro when everyone else knows I am not. I have no doubt you will catch the Fox one day, Commandante, but it will do you little good arresting the wrong man."
Don Alejandro spoke before Monastario could answer Diego. "Monastario," Alejandro started, ignoring the man's title, "do you really believe Diego would tell so many his secret. That seems a dangerous move for such a cunning man. Yet everyone in this room will agree that Diego is not Zorro. Perhaps you are so consumed with capturing the man that you have become blind and are only able to see what you wish to see. You will stop at nothing to capture Zorro, even if it means arresting the wrong man. You may not think we have power, Capitán, but arrest Diego without solid proof and you will find out how powerful we truly are. Our influence is far reaching and some have the ears and friendship of high government officials, far beyond your rank."
Monastario blinked and looked around the room. The Dons had stepped closer and Monastario understood the threat. He could not win, he realized. Diego was beyond his reach for now. It would take more than a simple feeling to arrest Diego. Still, Monastario was certain Diego was Zorro and he vowed silently that he would see Diego unmasked, no matter how many years it took. One day, the cunning and quick witted Fox would slip and Monastario would be waiting to slide the rope over his neck. "I will find the proof, gentlemen. Diego will hang from the gallows for his crimes. I will see to it personally. I will be watching you Diego. You can not escape my grasp forever."
Although Diego was anxious he forced his voice to remain calm and bemused. "I fear Commandante that it will be a long wait. I am not Zorro."
Monastario, his eyes dark and large, glared at Diego for a moment before spinning on his heels and marching out of the room. Garcia scrambled after his officer, but not before wishing Diego well and apologizing for Commandante Monastario's behavior.
Diego let out a deep breath when the Commandante's boots faded from the hall. Don Ramiro looked down the hall and saw no one. He nodded and spoke quietly, "He has left. Well, the second floor anyway. Who knows what that man is doing? He has no proof against Diego yet he is willing to arrest him. We can not trust him. That man is dangerous. It is best to keep an eye on him for a while. I would not put much past him."
"Sí, I agree. But for now I don't think he is going to do anything. As much as he wants to capture Zorro, he still values his pride and his honour more. He will not do anything that could damage his reputation and his career. We must be careful though. Everyone must take great cares not to give him the proof he so desperately wants." Diego said as he shifted and readjusted his leg on the bed. It was throbbing dully and his eyes felt heavy.
Alejandro noticed Diego's movement and stepped beside the bed grabbing a pillow and placing it under Diego's knee. "Is that better Diego?"
"Sí. Gracias, Father. When did Doctor Hernandez say he will be back? I would like to get home and see how Bernardo is doing. He is probably worried about me." Diego stated as he stifled a yawn.
"I think it is best if we let you get some rest, mi hijo. You seem tired. Doctor Hernandez promised to let you go home today, but not until he has seen to your leg. We will bring breakfast for you in a couple of hours." Alejandro and the others bid Diego goodbye and headed to the common room to have breakfast. Their conversation centered on Diego and his future as Zorro. All agreed he would have to be extremely careful and that Monastario would undoubtedly stir up more trouble than usual.
Despite his fatigue, it took Diego a long time to fall back to sleep. Images of yesterday's fight echoed in his mind and he replayed Ignacio's death over and over in his head trying to decide if he could have saved the man. Diego knew there had to have been something he could have done, but he could think of nothing. Frustrated, he slammed his fist into the sheet covers and cursed lightly under his breath. Ignacio was right…he would haunt Diego for a long time. Diego finally fell into a fitful sleep, his dreams laced with red and black.
ZZZ
Bernardo was sitting in the garden when Diego arrived home. Diego was glad to see his friend healing and under the afternoon sun, amid the sweet smell of roses and the light touch of a warm breeze, Diego told his friend about Ignacio and their ill-fated duel. Bernardo nodded occasionally and his eyes grew large as Diego described Ignacio's last few minutes. Bernardo tried to comfort his friend but he knew Diego would blame himself for Ignacio's death. Bernardo was certain there was nothing Diego could have done. The Don would not have taken Ignacio's life by choice.
Bernardo was worried about Monastario. He knew Diego was not telling him everything and he had heard Ramiro and Don Carlos whispering about the Capitán. For now though, Bernardo was positive everything would be fine. The warm sun gave him hope that Monastario would not be any trouble and Bernardo had faith that Diego could work his way out of any trap. Smiling slightly, Bernardo leaned back and let the sun warm his face. He could sense Diego beside him and he knew the younger man was also leaning back on the bench. Everything will be fine, Bernardo told himself as he drifted into a light slumber.
ZZZ
It had been two months since Ignacio's death and the pueblo had all ready forgotten the ill-tempered man and his flashing sword. They were too pre-occupied with their farms and herds, the unforgiving weather and their families to stay concerned over a fight among the Dons. Men and children still whispered of the fight and some wondered why Diego refused to carry a weapon, but they were glad they had seen such swordsmanship. But most thought little about Diego once again putting away his sword and becoming the man they knew, the man they respected, and the man they had come to admire. Things had returned to normal and the people of Los Angeles were grateful.
Diego sat in the tavern with his father and Bernardo, cool glasses of lemonade sat before them. While the peons and vaqueros thought little of recent events, Diego barely let his mind stray far from thoughts of Ignacio, Benicio, and his friend Arturo. Zorro found little rest as well. Monastario was keeping the cunning Fox busy with ridiculous taxes, false accusations against the peons, and a number of threats to those the Commandante felt knew something about Zorro. Diego had been cautious the last couple of months and had ridden only when necessary. The last week had been calm and Diego was grateful for the respite. He hoped only that Monastario had finally given up on his schemes to find evidence against Zorro.
A deep voice distracted Diego from his thoughts and he turned to see Garcia standing in the doorway. Diego waved the good Sergeant over and his friend sat gratefully. Diego ordered a bottle of wine and Sergeant Garcia, his face bright and merry, smiled at his friend. "Ahh…gracias Diego. I have been busy all morning. Capitán Monastario is heading to Monterey tomorrow and I have been making arrangements for his departure."
Diego was curious at the sudden departure, "Why is the good Capitán leaving us?" Diego asked as Garcia poured a glass of wine.
"There have been some supply issues and the Commandante decided to take care of the problem personally." Garcia's deep voice dropped to a whisper, "I think he just wants to get away from the pueblo. He keeps yelling at me for not having captured Zorro. I think he has finally figured out he is not going to catch El Zorro." Garcia looked thoughtful, his dark eyebrows arched upward for a moment and he leaned into the table, his elbows resting on the rough surface. "Perhaps he will return to Spain."
Alejandro looked surprised, "What makes you think that Sergeant?"
"He does not like our pueblo, I think. Oh well, he will be back in a months time." Garcia's face lit up with a soft humour and his eyes grew large, "Maybe I will have Zorro behind bars before he returns. Perhaps I should just ask Zorro to give himself up as a favor to me. He is a kind gentleman and he always helps those in need. The Commandante has ordered Zorro's arrest while he is in Monterey. Surely Zorro will see that I need his assistance. Do you think it would work, Diego?" Garcia asked hopefully.
Diego laughed lightly and even Alejandro chuckled at the innocent expression on Garcia's face. "I doubt it my friend. But you can ask him next time you see him. I am sure he will consider your problem."
"Sí, I think you are right Diego. The next time I talk to Zorro I will ask him to give himself up. If I explain that I need his help he might surrender." Sergeant Garcia poured another glass of wine and smiled. Alejandro changed the subject and the Sergeant began a conversation with him about what to order for lunch.
Diego sat back and laughed silently to himself. Monastario had traveled to Monterey at the start of Diego's problems and Diego hoped this was an indication that his troubles were truly ending. Everything comes full circle, he mused to himself. Diego joined the conversation, his heart lighter than it had been in months. He had a feeling that things were once again returning to normal. He prayed that things would remain that way once Monastario returned. It is best to take things as they come. Time, Diego knew, would heal the wounds Ignacio had left, but for now, he decided, he was simply going to enjoy another glass of lemonade and listen to the jovial conversation of his friend.
El Fin
A/N: Thanks to all those who took the time to read my story and a special thanks to all those who reviewed. I really appreciated all your comments. I hope you enjoyed the story.
I struggled with this final chapter so if there is anything that just seems off or if something is missing please let me know. I plan to eventually go through and edit the story so let me know what you think could or should be changed. Any comments are welcome - just be kind :)