A/N: Thank you JuliaBC and Eleana003 for reviewing! Just a head's up, I will be on vacation next week and I'm not sure if there is internet service where I'm going, so it may be a while before another chapter is uploaded. In the meantime, enjoy this one, and don't forget to review please :)

Chapter Nine: Zorro to the Rescue (Part 1)

Two Weeks Later…

The sun shone brilliantly down on the pueblo of Los Angeles, the people cheerily calling out to one another. It had been weeks since the Commandante had tried to steal more taxes, making them much more confident and proud. Capitan Fernandez was always around for the people, making sure that all was in order and that the peons were never left needy. Zorro had been seen riding around town some nights, as if he was watching over the sleepy town, and Padre Felipe had secretly handed back the taxes that had been stolen. Times were indeed better than before…

However, inside the Commandante's office of the cuartel of Los Angeles, the mood was not so.

"Blast it all!" Riviera boomed, fuming as he glared malevolently at the trembling Juarez. "Every time we've attempted executing a plan these past two weeks, there's always something that spoils it! The plans to the de la Vega ranch to steal their cattle, the time you went into the mission to steal the poor box, the attempt to sneak off with Lolita Pulido…you've ruined them every time," Riviera sneered, pointing an accusing finger at the landowner while Martinez watched on coldly.

"P-Puh-Please, Commandante," Juarez begged, sinking into his chair. "I've tried, I really have! It's just that there's always someone nearby to stop us. There's Don Ricardo, Don Diego, your own Capitan Fernandez, and then there's Zorro-"

"May he burn in hell for interfering in all my plans," Riviera hissed.

"Juarez is right, mi Commandante," Martinez spoke up, startling both men. He rarely ever spoke, and when he did, he got right to the point. "Why not eliminate these bumbling dons and the meddling captain?"

"No, my friend," Riviera shook his head. "That would bring too much attention and suspicion on us…" His eyes appeared to be on fire as he stared Juarez down. "It's been weeks since I decided to give you some time to study the Pulidos…now it is time to pay." Barking an order at Martinez to watch him, Riviera stepped out, eager for fresh air and a moment to think. Juarez had to be punished for misusing his resources and time.

"Commandante!" Sergeant Garcia exclaimed, saluting the man at once. "Is all well with Señor Juarez?"

"Yes, Sergeant, we were just discussing his debts and possible plans," Riviera answered coolly. He was tired of having to ride out to Juarez, who seemed to be more empowered in his own home, so he decided to have him summoned to the cuartel for a reminder of who was in charge. No one was surprised to see him, considering the amount of debt he was in for his gambling and drinking, so it was the perfect ruse. As he was about to order Garcia off, his eyes moved to see an elegant woman speaking with some of the soldiers. Doña Catalina was radiant that morning as she offered Corporal Reyes and Capitan Fernandez a basket of goodies, waving farewell to them as she went along their merry way.

Sergeant Garcia froze as he noticed the Commandante staring at them, thinking he would be angry if the men received sweets from the kind woman. "Eh, Commandante-!"

"That will be all, Sergeant," Riviera said calmly, saluting the befuddled man before languidly walking back into his office. Entering the room, he locked the door and lowered his head to Juarez's face, enjoying how the drunkard squirmed uncomfortably at their proximity. "I will give you one last chance, imbecile. Out in the square now is Doña Catalina…this is a golden opportunity for you. Martinez will follow you to make sure you don't mess up, and if you need assistance, he shall be there for you." Pulling out a dagger from his boot, he held it up in front of Juarez's sweaty face. "Let this be my final warning…get it right, or you shall suffer dearly. This is your last chance."

~Z~

"Oh honestly," Carlotta sighed as Bernardo continued to dance for their amusement. "Does he ever not act like a fool?"

"Hush, Carlotta, he's sweet," Lolita giggled, accepting a flower that Bernardo made appear out of thin air. "Besides, no one forced you to join us."

The sun was setting on the horizon as the group relaxed and chattered amiably with one another. It had been Diego's idea to invite Lolita on a late afternoon picnic with Bernardo to entertain them, unfortunately it was also Ricardo and Carlotta's idea to join them at the last possible moment. So it was that two extra guests were brought along. Lolita desperately wished that Yolanda had come along with them, but she understood that even Yolanda had her priorities…after all, having Capitan Fernandez call upon her for a late afternoon ride was nothing to sneeze at.

"Say, Diego, this was a wonderful idea," Ricardo commented, leaning back against a tree. "We should do this tomorrow!"

"Oh, believe me, Ricardo, I would…it's just, well, don't take this personally…but you're not at all what I'm looking for in a romantic relationship," Diego answered smartly, earning a laugh from Lolita.

"Funny," Ricardo rolled his eyes. Turning to Lolita, he reached for her hand and looked at her affectionately. "What about you, Lolita? What do you think?"

"I think if you want to leave here with both your hands still intact, you'll keep your fingers off of mine," she said tartly, moving her hands away from him. "I may have forgiven you for what you attempted to do and my father's party, but that doesn't mean I accept any move on your part to get my attention or affections, señor."

Ricardo frowned in disappointment, crossing his arms over his chest in defeat. Diego could not hide his amusement at Lolita's rejection of his friend, raising his hand to cover his smiling mouth. He did not necessarily delight in Ricardo's torment, however, he did think that Ricardo occasionally needed a reality check every so often. "Well, it's getting late. We should probably get you ladies home."

"Gracias, Don Diego, Don Ricardo," Carlotta said at once, holding out her hand expectantly. Bernardo walked over, continuing to act the part of the deaf fool, and beamed as he took her hand and shook it vigorously. "Ay caramba!" she screeched, yanking her hand away and rising to her feet to stomp back to the carriage.

Lolita and the two caballeros laughed at the scene before collecting themselves and gathering their items. "I can't believe the time's flown so quickly," Lolita admitted, allowing Diego and Ricardo to take the basket and blanket from her arms. "This really has been a lovely time. Gracias, Diego."

"Any time, Lolita," Diego said, the two of them exchanging a heartfelt look.

Jealousy poked at Ricardo's heart as he butted in, "So this is the thanks I get for bringing the wine?"

"This is the thanks you get for being full of yourself," Lolita said crossly. "You're just as bad, if not worse, than Carlotta."

"What are you saying about me?!" Carlotta screeched from the carriage, secretly making Bernardo cringe at the sound of her voice.

"Just what a wonderful sister you are," Lolita lied brightly.

At last, they all piled into the carriage with the exception of Ricardo who rode his steed back to the Pulido hacienda with them. All the while, Carlotta pouted in the back seat as Lolita and Diego conversed. Both Diego and Bernardo sat in the driver's seat while Bernardo drove, allowing Diego the chance to turn and face Lolita, while also occasionally giving a witty remark to Ricardo's comments. As they pulled up to the front porch of the hacienda, Consuela stepped out to greet them, waving merrily at Bernardo.

"Welcome back, everyone," she curtsied.

"Consuela, has Mamá come home yet?" Carlotta asked sourly, wanting to speak with her mother in private about her woes.

The Indian woman shook her head. "No, I'm afraid not, señorita. The last time anyone saw her was when she drove to Los Angeles after noon today."

"That's odd," Lolita noted, her brows knitting together. Looking out at the landscape, she saw that the sky was already changing from pink to purple. Soon it would be black as a raven's feather, and dangers would be prowling. "Mother never stays out that long, she never has, not even in Spain."

Diego and Bernardo exchanged a look at this, their eyes moving to meet Consuela's. She could see the concern in their faces, her own worry intensifying as she realized that something was very wrong. "Please come inside, muchachas," she pleaded, taking the basket and blanket from the carriage. "Your sister is already inside and your father is waiting."

Hopping off of his perch, Diego hurried around to help Lolita from the carriage. Giving her hands a gentle squeeze, he looked into her eyes and whispered, "If you need anything Lolita, please don't hesitate to let me know."

"I will…thank you, Diego," she said softly, wrapping her arms around his neck and embracing him tightly.

He held her close and closed his eyes for a moment, sensing he had a long night ahead. Whatever happened, he must not let anything happen to Lolita, or any members of her family. Pulling away, he kissed her hands and bowed goodnight to the women before getting back on the carriage and driving off. Lolita watched them go, her gaze lingering on Diego. Since the night of the party, she felt a strong connection to young don, and though she would not admit it to anyone, she felt shivers pass through her if he kissed her on the hand or shared a secret smile with her. He had become her friend, her confidant, and perhaps more. She knew that his word was true, and as she entered the hacienda and saw her father pacing the floor, she had a feeling that she would need to depend on him, or at least someone, for support. "Papá, what's wrong? Where is Mamá?" asked Lolita, her brows furrowing once more as she saw sweat forming upon the old man's brow.

"That's what I want to know, chiquita," Don Carlos said solemnly, never stopping as he continued to pace. "Your mother would never be out this long…I rode out to town and I could not even find her carriage! Capitan Fernandez came back with Yolanda earlier this evening and promised he would search for her but I have not heard from him since!"

"Oh dear," Carlotta whispered, sinking to the sofa next to Yolanda, who patted her hands and whispered reassurances.

"Consuela, will you make us some tea?" Lolita asked, silently thanking her friend with her eyes as she went to her father. Consuela took off without a moment to lose, leaving the worried family in the sala for the time being. "Please, Papá, you mustn't worry so," she said soothingly, grabbing his arm and forcing him to stand still for a moment. "We must remain calm. Let us pray that she will come home safe and sound soon. Perhaps she stopped at another hacienda on her way back and lost track of the time?"

"Not Catalina," he shook his head. "She would have sent word to us ages ago…wait! Do you hear that?!" Don Carlos lifted his head, his eyes shining with hope as he ran for the front door. Outside, the sound of hoof beats and a carriage's wheels rumbled closer to the hacienda, making everyone jump onto their feet and run for the door. Don Carlos yanked the door open, his joy uncontainable, when his face dropped at the sight of Señor Juarez getting out of his meager wagon and walk up towards them. His heartbeat sped up as he saw him. Lolita had warned him about this man, how Zorro had told her that he was not a man to be trusted, and now as he saw him walking up the steps to them with a dark gleam in his eyes, he was certain the man was up to something. "Señor Juarez," Carlos bowed politely. "You'll forgive me, but I'm afraid we are not taking visitors right now. We're waiting for-"

"Your wife, sí, I am aware," Juarez said coldly, looking Carlos in the eye. "If you wish to know of her whereabouts, you will let me in at once."

Carlos felt a knot form in his stomach as he heard the man's words. Reluctantly, he stepped aside and waited for him to come in, closing the door after him. All three sisters watched in terrified curiosity as this man dared to enter their home as though he owned it. "All right, speak then. What do you know of my wife?" Carlos demanded.

Juarez did not speak right away, preferring to look around the sala and admire the lavish furnishings. "Doña Catalina is safe, for the time being. You see…I have some debts to settle." Turning around, he faced the family at last, never once suspecting that someone was listening in from the kitchen. "My employer has been displeased with my work thus far…Zorro has meddled one too many times in my affairs, trying to get money from you."

"You?...you were the one who tried to attack our coach?! And rob the hacienda the first night we arrived?!" Carlos fumed, taking a step towards him menacingly.

"Take another step and your wife dies," snapped Juarez. "If anything happens to me and I do not return to my rendezvous point, my men know to dispose of your wife."

Carlotta sobbed, falling to her knees at once. Yolanda knelt beside her and wrapped her arms around her sister, her tears also uncontrollable. Lolita took Carlotta's side as well, but she did not cry with them. She chose to glare at the coward who resorted to attacking her family, all for money. Her only hope was that Consuela would listen to everything and leave to get help quickly.

"What do you want?" Carlos asked at last, clenching his fists as so not to reach out and punch the man before him.

"I require the deed to your lands and all your wealth," Juarez smirked. "Unfortunately, that requires something more permanent and official…signing a document and having your word as a gentleman will not do…I require one of your daughter's hand's in marriage."

"You WHAT?!" Carlos lunged at him, only to jump back as Juarez pulled out a pistol from his vest. "How do you expect me to give you everything I have, and more importantly, one of my daughters, just so you can have a fortune?!"

"Because your wife's life depends on it, Don Carlos," sneered Juarez. "It's your choice. Ah, and I should mention that we would ride to the San Gabriel mission to be wed immediately and privately. Only then will I take my new wife to find yours and send her back. You will not see your daughter again and I expect the deeds to be prepared in a fortnight. If you refuse, or if your daughter should try anything…I shall be forced to kill her. I can't have people knowing what's happened because of your loose tongues." Carlotta commenced to bawl, stopping when Juarez pointed the gun at her head. "Quiet, rana! Before you wake up all of California!" he barked. Drawing his attention away to glare at Carlos once more he persisted, "So, what will it be?"

Don Carlos felt his chest tighten, his own eyes watering as he realized he had to make a painful choice. As he bowed his head in defeat and fought to answer back, he felt horror take hold of him upon hearing Lolita speak up.

"I will go," Lolita volunteered, her voice clear and strong, though she trembled at the thought of being bound to this man forever.

"What?" Carlotta blubbered.

"Lolita!" Yolanda gasped.

"No! Lolita, don't-!" Carlos protested.

"What choice do we have, Papá?" she cut him off, cringing at the sight of Juarez's grinning face. Holding her head high, she forced herself to look him in the eye. "All I ask is one thing, Señor Juarez."

"What is that?" he asked.

"I want to go to confession before we wed," she insisted. "It has been some time and since we are already going to be there, I want to utilize the trip to my advantage."

He eyed her suspiciously, unable to find any menace or flicker of dishonesty in her eyes. "…very well, but it shall have to be quick, señorita…after all…" He chuckled wickedly at this. "I would hate for my mother in law to die on our wedding night."

~Z~

Consuela kicked the poor beast's sides yet again, her mind ringing with the words she had heard in the sala. The last she heard was Lolita speaking up, agreeing to marry the rattlesnake in their house. She ran out at once and got on one of the fastest horses of the rancho, not even bothering to saddle it, and rode out towards the de la Vega hacienda. Her heart pounded wildly within her chest, her mind racing with worry for her adoptive little sister. "Be strong, hermanita…be brave…I'm getting help now."

The moment she saw the windows of the hacienda, she began screaming and shouting Don Diego's name, tugging on the stallion's mane to bring him to a halt. "Don Diego! Don Alejandro! Bernardo! Please, come quick!" Consuela cried. '"Don Diego!"

Without a warning, the door swung open and there was Diego de la Vega, his eyes taking in every detail of Consuela's appearance. "Consuela, what's wrong?!" he demanded, tying his robe's sash around his waist before approaching her, his father and friend hurrying out after him.

"Please forgive me," she gasped for breath. "But Lolita needs help!"

"What happened?"

In a flurry of movements to accompany her words, Consuela explained as best and as quickly as she could of what ensued after he had left them. Diego's eyes narrowed and darkened at the news, a plan formulating in his mind. "Padre Felipe is out tonight, visiting Capistrano. He won't be back for another day or two at most…but there shall be a priest present." He smiled wickedly at Consuela, urging her to get off of her horse. "Bernardo, take care of her. Father, will you go Los Angeles-?"

"I will find Capitan Fernandez," Alejandro vowed, nodding his head. "You go on ahead. There's much to do and not enough time."

Consuela gripped Diego's arm, her eyes filled with tears as she pleaded, "Please, Don Diego…don't let her marry that awful man! Don't let any harm come to her!"

"I promise you, Consuela, I would rather die fighting this man than have Lolita suffer," he said firmly, nodding his head to her. "I must go…Zorro is needed for this one."