Chapter 3
Ignacio De Soto entered the quiet sanctuary of the church in search of Padre Benitez. He felt a compelling need to speak to Padre Benitez. The emissary's death affected him in ways that he could not have imagined. He thought that he would be glad that Risendo was dead. Surprisingly, the thought of killing him combined with the fact that he was Don Alejandro's long lost son had effected him more that he thought possible. All the years of trying to capture Zorro had taken a toll on him. He was trapped in this insignificant pueblo whose citizens had no love, loyalty or respect for him. He was no closer to capturing Zorro than he was three years ago. He was tired...so tired...How long could he continue this way?
De Soto entered the confessional booth. "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been several months since my last confession."
"Confession will help clear your mind and ease your pain."
"My heart is heavy, Padre. I killed a man that threatened my life...who sought to kill me but I feel no joy...only remorse... I killed the Emissary but I saved Diego's life. If the Emissary had lived, I'd probably be dead now."
"Do you wonder why your life was spared and his was taken, my son?"
"I wonder if I'm headed down the same path, Padre," Desoto hesitated, "Am I destined to be hated and despised by the very people I serve?"
"You can choose what you want as well, my son. Life or death. Respect or hatred."
"Everyone loves Zorro, a common bandit side who constantly thwarts my authority…. A criminal…"
"He is a criminal only in your eyes. Zorro stands for what is right. The people of this pueblo respect him."
"Everything I've done has been for the good of the people. I wanted to return to Madrid a hero…"
"For their good….or for your own? You are driven by the need for power…"
"No alcalde has ever succeeded in Los Angeles. They've either been hounded out of office or died in disgrace. Perfect place for a man to make a reputation overnight."
"Or die overnight."
"I'm prepared to take that risk. See, unlike you, Don Javier, my family is not well-placed at court. I've had to work hard and fight hard for everything I have. And unlike you, I will bend Los Angeles to the will of the King or I will break them! And then, I shall return to my beloved Madrid, a hero. Hmm. Until then." Ignacio saluted Don Javier mockingly with his sword then started to walk away but paused and turned around. "Wish me luck."
"But at what cost? Is position and power all that is important to you? You could have died, but you can make things right."
"How can I make them right, Padre? A man is dead because of me...It seems as though my search will never end."
"That is true but because of your actions Don Alejandro still has one living son...You chose to save Diego's life. There is good in you, my son. Consider carefully the choices you've made. Revenge and bitterness will destroy you. It's not too late to change but you must decide."
"You believe that I can change…"
"All things are possible. Look at your life and your purpose here… It is within your power to alter the course of your life."
"Thank you for your advice. I will give it careful thought."
"Go in grace, Senor."
If I cannot capture Zorro, maybe the time had come to put him out of business. The pueblo needs a just and fair leader. If I were a better leader then Zorro would not be necessary...Being the kind of leader I should have been will effectively put that bandit out of business...Why didn't I think of this sooner? If I had, I would not still be in this pueblo...I should have treated the people fairly from the start...
"You have a great deal to learn about me and the people of this pueblo. Deal with them fairly and openly and there's nothing they won't do for you." Perhaps, the masked man was right after all...Maybe if I follow his advice...I can kill two birds with one stone...