Thank you to everyone who reviewed! I started writing this fic as a gift to myself, and I never really expected anyone else to like it very much.
The events in this chapter are mostly based on episode 18, Diego, the Clever Detective. Several chapters in this story will present somewhat altered versions of various episodes. I assume that my readers are familiar with the episodes, so I won't be explaining them in detail. I'm also not writing any scenes that are entirely or almost identical to how they were in the series because I see no point in that. If you haven't seen the episodes these chapters are based on, it might feel like important events are being skipped.
THE RIGHT TURN OF THE ROAD
Chapter 5
Two weeks later, Gabriel was feeling a little better. He no longer had to stay in bed all the time and could actually get up and have a walk without feeling like he was about to faint. He was still tired and too much exercise quickly drained all strength out of him, but he was glad he was making some progress.
Gonzales stopped by every day to see if there was anything he could do to help. Despite his earlier irritation, Gabriel had to admit that the sergeant wasn't as annoying as he had thought. He never made a fuss about anything, and he still treated Gabriel with all the usual respect. Not once had he got the feeling that Gonzales enjoyed seeing him so weak and vulnerable. After a while, it was almost pleasant when he dropped by since it was Gabriel's only way of hearing what was going on in town.
"No, Zorro didn't show up today either," Gonzales was saying.
"He must be planning something. Why else would he lie low like this?"
"Maybe because there hasn't been anything going on. Captain Jekyll has been patrolling the area with the troops."
Gabriel frowned as he considered it. He didn't much care for the way Jekyll had taken over his duties. He was doing too good of a job and getting popular with the people. Just the other day, he and his men had captured some bandits who had been terrorising the farmers. He would have to work twice as hard to get the people back under control when he returned to duty.
"Zorro is going to show up sooner or later. We just have to be patient," he said.
"Maybe you should forget about him for a while. It can't be healthy to have just one thought on your mind all the time," Gonzales suggested.
"And what would you have me think? It's all Zorro's fault that I'm stuck here. Thinking about my revenge is the only thing keeping me sane!"
"I guess the barracks isn't the best place to recover. There is nothing going on here," Gonzales mused.
Gabriel only frowned, but he agreed with the sergeant. Once he had felt confident in his ability to have a short walk, he had gone outside to see what the soldiers were up to. Mostly they were just performing mundane tasks, and being around them was not a fun experience for either party. The soldiers were clearly uncomfortable around him and didn't know how to act when he wasn't wearing his uniform. Gabriel in turn felt out of place when he wasn't on duty and had no reason to order the men around. He had thought that watching them practise their skills with the sword could have been entertaining, but it only brought a sour taste to his mouth. Just two weeks ago he would have been there with them, and he would have defeated every single man.
Gonzales snapped his fingers like he had suddenly got a great idea. "Well, then we're just going somewhere else."
"What are you talking about?" Gabriel asked.
"I have the evening off. Let's go and have dinner in town," Gonzales said.
Gabriel just stared at him, wondering if Gonzales had hit his head. The two of them never spent their free time together, and Gonzales hadn't even suggested it after the first time when Gabriel had turned him down almost two years ago. The fact that they were having idle chat at the very moment didn't count in Gabriel's eyes; it was just because Gonzales had taken it upon himself to be of assistance. Going to town with him felt uncomfortably like spending time with a friend.
"I'm sure it would cheer you up. You've been stuck here for two weeks, Lieutenant," Gonzales said. He closed his eyes with a smile. "Besides, they're serving lamb stew at the tavern tonight."
"You always have your priorities in order," Gabriel remarked.
"Well, how about it? You could use a moment away from here."
To his slight surprise, Gabriel found that he was actually considering the offer. He was dreadfully bored of sitting around and doing nothing, and going to town felt like a whole new world of possibilities. Anything was better than staring at the walls of his room. However, it was a decent way to San Tasco. He knew he couldn't ride a horse just yet, and walking all the way there and back would be too much for him.
"Did you forget that I shouldn't be riding yet?" he asked in irritation.
"We could take the carriage," Gonzales said.
Gabriel thought about what it would look like if he came to town in a carriage. Everyone would know he was too weak to walk or ride a horse. The townspeople were used to seeing him in his uniform, striding proudly in the streets. What would they think of him when they saw him like this? On the other hand, what did he care? Since when did the opinion of these peasants matter to him?
"Let's go," he decided. He would go insane if he didn't get out soon.
"Great! I'll prepare the carriage."
Not long after, they were ready to go. Gabriel decided to sit next to Gonzales on the perch instead of going inside. It made him feel like he was more in charge of the situation than was really the case. If it hadn't been for the constant ache in his shoulder, he might have demanded to have the reins.
"It looks like it's going to be a clear night," Gonzales observed as they were getting closer to the town. It wasn't dark yet, but they could already see the first stars in the cloudless sky. It was a little cold for that time of the year, and Gabriel felt somewhat envious of Gonzales, who was wearing his uniform.
However, that wasn't enough to sully his improved mood. It was the first time since his accident that he was away from the barracks. He hadn't even realised how tired he had grown of spending all his time in one place. Just breathing the cool night air and watching the darkening scenery was enough to make him forget his frustration and hatred for Zorro for a moment.
They arrived at the town about half an hour later. Darkness had now fallen, and the streets were only lit by the warm glow from the windows. There were still a few people wandering around, especially when they got closer to Gonzales' favourite tavern. The sergeant liked things lively and loud, so his choice didn't much surprise Gabriel.
"I hope there's still room for us," Gonzales said as he hopped down to the ground.
"We can always make some."
Gonzales shot a somewhat worried look at him. "Let's not start trouble right away, Lieutenant. I just paid my tab and I don't want to be kicked out now."
"We'll see," Gabriel said as he stepped inside.
He was momentarily captivated by the warmth, the sound of laughter and the titillating smells that assaulted him at the door. He never came to this place whenever he was off duty. It was always filled to the brim with locals, and he didn't much enjoy their company. He and most of the soldiers preferred another tavern on the other side of the town.
A few people noticed him arrive and turned to stare, but before Gabriel could do more than glare back, Gonzales pushed past him and gave the owner a loud, happy greeting. Upon seeing the sergeant, the other customers relaxed and turned away. Gabriel frowned at their backs, but he decided he wasn't in the mood for starting a scene. It felt wrong when he wasn't wearing his uniform.
"Good evening, Sergeant. What can I do for you today?" the owner asked. He gave Gabriel a careful look from the corner of his eye but didn't otherwise acknowledge him.
"We'll just take that table over there. I hope you've still got some of that lamb stew left because we're both hungry. And some wine, of course!" Gonzales said, smiling merrily as he spoke. He seemed to be completely at ease in this place and gave everyone nods and friendly words as they walked to their table.
"It looks like you come here often," Gabriel pointed out.
"Almost every day. I don't like the food at the barracks very much."
Gabriel was about to remark that the point of the army was not to offer anyone culinary experiences, but that was when the door opened and new customers stepped in. It was Diego and Lolita. The little kid wasn't with them, but Diego was enough to bring a frown to Gabriel's face.
He watched how the two went to talk to the owner and how Diego laughed about something he said. Gabriel simply couldn't understand how Lolita could spend time with him. Diego was the most pathetic man Gabriel had ever known. He'd never forget how he had sobbed into his handkerchief about being kicked out of school due to slacking off when they had first met. It was clear that Lolita found Diego's behaviour distasteful as well, so why did she tolerate him? No, why did she act like she liked him?
To think that she had turned him down and wouldn't even speak to him if she didn't have to but then spent her time with a weakling like Diego… It was maddening! He felt his hands shake from the want to punch the younger man.
"Too bad. It looks like there isn't a table for them," Gonzales said. "I'll invite them over here."
Before Gabriel could tell him that he should only invite Lolita, Gonzales had already stood up and waved both his hands to get Diego and Lolita's attention. They both looked happily surprised at first, but the expression on their faces quickly turned apprehensive when they noticed Gabriel.
Lolita said something to Diego and tried to pull him towards the door, but he just smiled at her and took her hand. He dragged her with him to their table and greeted them both with a wide grin.
"Hey, good evening! Thanks for letting us share your table," Diego said.
"Oh, that's no problem. It was a pleasure," Gonzales replied.
Diego turned to look at Gabriel. "It's great to see you're back on your feet, Lieutenant. How is your shoulder?"
"It's getting better," Gabriel said. He was still wearing a bandage, but it was mostly to give support to the arm. The wound had healed so well that he could even wear his shirt normally and twist his arm into the sleeve.
"I'm glad to hear that," Diego said.
"Diego, maybe we should go back home," Lolita said. "I'm not really feeling up to this anymore."
"Oh, nonsense. We just got here. I'm not going anywhere before I've had some of Ricardo's stew," Diego said. He pushed her down on a seat next to Gonzales and took the place opposite her, by Gabriel's side.
"That's the right attitude," Gonzales said.
Diego and Gonzales quickly got involved in a discussion about what great food one could get at this particular tavern. Gabriel had nothing to say about that, so kept his eyes on Lolita, who was also silent. When she noticed that he was staring at him, she gave him one of the most venomous looks he had ever seen in her eyes.
"Is there something on my face?" she asked.
"You're in a bad mood tonight," Gabriel observed.
"I was hoping to spend a nice evening with Diego. You can't really blame me for being disappointed when I have to talk to army officers instead."
"I'm on leave, so I'm technically not an officer at the moment," Gabriel pointed out, trying his most charming smile.
Lolita rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You're a soldier through and through. Nothing is going to change that."
"And why is that a bad thing?" Gabriel asked. Why couldn't Lolita see that he was the perfect man for her? He was strong, handsome and brave, and he had a great future ahead of him. He wasn't going to be a lieutenant in this little town forever. One day he'd be promoted and pursue far greater goals. Any woman should be delighted to get even a glance from him!
"Lieutenant, we've been through this. It's not my fault if you still don't understand," Lolita said. She sighed in frustration and leaned her chin on her palm, glancing at Diego from the corner of her eye and refusing to look directly at Gabriel again.
"Diego, can't we go home?" she asked.
"Well, if you absolutely want to…" Diego said, rubbing the back of his head.
His indecision made Lolita's frown deepen. "You can stay if you want to. I'm going home alone."
"But… but then I'll have to walk!" Diego blurted out.
"Maybe it would do you some good," Lolita said.
"But it's so dark outside! What if bandits attack me?"
"You could try to be a man and fight them," Lolita said. She stood up and looked like she was about to march away, but Gabriel wasn't about to let her go that easily.
"I agree with Diego," he said, and everyone turned to stare at him in surprise. "There could be robbers out there. It's not safe for a lady like you to go alone. I could always accompany -"
"No, thank you," Lolita said immediately and sat down again. "I'd rather stay here and wait for Diego. I think he's going to be a better protector than someone who is recovering from a wound."
For a moment Gabriel felt the burning desire to smack that insolent look from her face just so that she'd shut up for a moment and treat him with the respect he deserved. How dare she compare him to that pitiful coward? However, the desire passed quickly, and he didn't think anyone noticed how hard he had had to fight to keep himself under control. Diego was looking at him with an odd look in his eyes, but Gabriel doubted that idiot understood anything.
An uncomfortable silence followed Lolita's words. Gonzales was glancing from one person to another and frowning in worry. Gabriel could have kicked him for talking him into coming to this damn tavern in the first place.
"Why don't I go and see if we can have food soon?" Gonzales suggested and quickly left the table.
"Well…" Diego said to break the silence that again fell on them. "You're returning to duty in about a month, aren't you, Lieutenant?"
Gabriel nodded. "That's right."
"You must be glad. I can't imagine it being very fun be recovering from such an injury," Diego said.
"If you ever want to try it, that can be arranged," Gabriel grumbled.
Diego jerked in surprise and waved his hand before him. "Oh, no, no! I didn't mean it like that."
"Then you shouldn't talk about things you don't understand."
"Come on, Diego. There's no use trying to have a decent conversation with him," Lolita remarked.
"But I'm just trying to be polite!" Diego insisted.
"Well, I think it's resulting in everyone's dinner being ruined," Lolita said. It was the first thing she said that Gabriel could completely agree with. He wouldn't have minded if Diego had just shut up for the rest of the evening.
The rest of their dinner together didn't go any better. There simply wasn't a single topic of discussion that the four of them could have talked about without someone losing their temper or feeling awkward. Diego finally seemed to realise this as well, and as soon as he and Lolita were done eating, he agreed to her suggestion that they should return home. Gabriel was glad to see them go. Lolita was in such a prickly mood that he didn't much care for her company.
"This wasn't exactly what I had in mind," Gonzales said.
"She'll come around," Gabriel remarked. Something had probably just got her upset. Women were fickle like that.
"I hope so. She's going to ruin Don José's party if she keeps being so sour," Gonzales said.
"What party?" Gabriel asked.
"Didn't you hear? Don José's son, Lapaz, is coming back from Spain. There's going to be a welcome home party in two days," Gonzales explained.
"No, I knew nothing about that," Gabriel said.
"That's odd. I thought all the officers were invited," Gonzales mused. "Maybe the commander forgot to tell you since you're off duty?"
"Maybe," Gabriel said, but he was certain that Raymond had done it on purpose. He knew perfectly well that Gabriel enjoyed going to parties and had no doubt decided to be petty in order to remind him that he didn't tolerate mistakes.
"Well, I don't think it's going to be that good of a party anyway," Gonzales said. "In fact, I'd rather not go."
Gabriel glanced at him in curiosity. He couldn't think of a single reason why Gonzales would want to pass on free food, music and good company.
"Why is that?" he asked.
"It's… It's nothing. Forget I mentioned it, Lieutenant," Gonzales said, turning his eyes down on his unfinished meal.
"Fine, if you say so," Gabriel said. He didn't really even care about Gonzales' personal problems, so it was a relief he didn't want to confide in him.
They finished eating some time later and decided to return to the barracks. Normally they would have both preferred to stay and have some more wine, but Gabriel was feeling tired from being up for so long, and Gonzales had duties early in the morning.
It was even darker and quieter now. It looked like a great night for going for a ride. Had he been on duty, Gabriel would have been tempted to take his men for some practice in the mountains. He sometimes felt that no matter how much he trained with them, some of the soldiers never –
Gabriel frowned when a sudden thought crossed his mind. He turned to look at Gonzales.
"Gonzales? What about the men who were on duty when I was shot?" he asked.
"What about them?" Gonzales asked. He sounded nonchalant, but Gabriel could read him well enough to know that it was just a cover. The sergeant was clutching the reins a little too hard for it to appear natural.
"I'd like to know their names," Gabriel said. Until now, he had been too focused on Zorro to think much about that it was one of his own men who had shot him. He felt his anger flare up at the thought that some idiot was going on with his carefree life after having done this to him. He had to find out who that man was and punish him. If he couldn't have him arrested, he'd do something in private.
"There were nine men on duty that morning, and they all fired shots. It's impossible to know who hit you," Gonzales said.
"Then have all of them arrested. It's as simple as that," Gabriel said.
"But then we'd arrest eight innocent men!"
"So?"
"That just isn't done. Besides, it was an accident. They thought you were Zorro and were only doing their -"
"I'm not interested in hearing your excuses, Sergeant. I want something done about this," Gabriel insisted. "Just be glad I'm not demanding you to take responsibility. I hear you were the one who gave the men the order to chase me."
Gonzales sighed. "I'll talk to Captain Jekyll about it," he said in a defeated voice.
Diego glanced at Lolita as they were on their way home. She hadn't said a word to him since they had left the tavern, and they were already near her house. He wondered why she was so upset. She didn't usually let Gabriel's mere presence get to her like that.
"Lolita, are you alright?" he asked, finally growing tired of her silence.
"I'm fine," Lolita said stiffly.
"It doesn't look like that to me. Is there something wrong?"
"I'm angry, Diego. Why did you insist on staying there when I made it clear that I wanted to leave? You know that I can't stand Gabriel," Lolita said. Her tone was irritated, but Diego thought he could hear some actual hurt behind it.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I just wanted to be polite, especially since Sergeant Gonzales invited us to their table. I don't like Gabriel either."
He had wanted to leave just as much as Lolita had, but he had decided that he needed to keep an eye on Gabriel for a moment. He hadn't heard much about the lieutenant since he had left their house, and he wanted to stay updated on his progress. It was vital for him as Zorro to know when Gabriel would be returning to duty – and whether he would still be wielding a sword when he came back.
Lolita clenched the reins in her hands. "That man infuriates me! How can he think I could ever be interested in him when he keeps doing so many horrible things? He's a monster!"
"Well, you've got to admit he's gallant," Diego said.
"Diego…" Lolita growled.
"Alright, sorry!"
Lolita sighed. "Why are all men here either complete jerks or idiots? I wish I met someone who respects me."
"I respect you," Diego said at once, and for once he didn't have to act in front of her.
"I know," Lolita said. A small smile was playing on her lips. "You'll always be my best friend, Diego."
Diego returned her smile, not knowing whether to feel happy or sad because of her words.
Don José's party took place two days later. Jekyll and Gonzales went to represent the army, much to Gabriel's annoyance. He was sure it was going to be a fun occasion, and being left out infuriated him. Gonzales suggested that maybe he should simply ask if the invitation included him, but Gabriel declined. He didn't want to grovel at Raymond's feet like that. Besides, his favourite part of any social gathering was showing off his uniform and impressing the ladies. He didn't want to go to a party when he was this weak.
As he watched Jekyll and Gonzales go, he couldn't help but notice how uncomfortable Gonzales looked with the situation. He was fidgeting with the reins of his horse, and the expression on his face was uncharacteristically solemn for him. Earlier that day, Gabriel had heard him propose that Jekyll should go to the party alone because there was so much to do at the barracks.
I wonder what's wrong with him, he mused, thinking back to how Gonzales had talked of the party two days earlier. Something was clearly wrong if Gonzales was bothered by it even days after. Usually he forgot about all his worries after a good meal and some sleep.
Well, whatever it was, it wasn't his problem. He had offered Gonzales one chance to talk about it. Since he hadn't taken it, Gabriel had no reason to waste any more of his time thinking about someone else's troubles. He had more than enough to do with his own.
His arm was making him worried. The wound was healing well, and the pain was now tolerable unless he moved his arm too much. However, the whole arm and hand felt stiff and numb. It was like they were no longer part of his body and he didn't control them anymore. Just that morning, he had tried to put an empty bottle up on a shelf, and it had simply slipped from his fingers. He would have liked to think of it as an accident, but then some time later, he had had enormous trouble when he had tried to button his shirt with both hands. His right hand just didn't do what he wanted of it.
But this was just a temporary problem, he was sure of it. The wound hadn't healed properly yet. He knew it took time to recover after injuries like this, so he would just have to be patient and not think too much about it. Everything would be back to normal by the time he returned to duty. That was the last thought on his mind when he went to bed that night.
The next morning, he immediately sensed that something was wrong at the barracks. The atmosphere was tense, and all the soldiers were whispering to each other about something, even when they were supposed to be standing guard or practising. Gabriel frowned at such a lack of discipline and wondered why Jekyll or Gonzales weren't there to keep the men in line. Maybe they had stayed so long at the party that they had overslept.
"Is that your idea of standing guard, you idiots?" he asked of two soldiers who were talking excitedly to each other. They both shut up and saluted when they noticed him.
"Sorry, sir!" one of the soldiers said.
"What's going on here? Where is Captain Jekyll?" Gabriel asked.
"He's in his office, sir," the soldier replied.
"And Sergeant Gonzales?"
"He's in the captain's office, too."
Gabriel noticed how the two soldiers glanced warily at each other at these words. Something was definitely off, and it looked like he was the only one who didn't know what was going on. He wondered which would be more annoying, having to ask these soldiers for more information or storming into Jekyll's office without knowing what he'd find inside.
"Do you know what they're doing there?" he finally asked.
There was that awkward glance between the soldiers again. One of them replied, "The captain is interrogating the sergeant because of the attempted murder yesterday."
"The what?" Gabriel asked.
"Yesterday, Don José was stabbed in the back at his party. Sergeant Gonzales is the main suspect," the soldier replied.
"Have you lost your mind?" Gabriel asked. This didn't make the slightest bit of sense.
"It's true, sir," the soldier insisted.
"I'll see about that myself." Gabriel turned his back on the soldiers and started marching towards Jekyll's office. He knocked on the door and was asked to enter. When he did, he was faced with a pitiful sight. Gonzales and Jekyll were sitting at opposite sides of the desk, both looking like they would have rather been anywhere else. Gonzales had a bandage wrapped around his head.
"I don't like doing this, Sergeant, but I need to ask you again. Is there nothing else you can tell me about yesterday's events?" Jekyll asked.
"I've told you everything I know!" Gonzales snapped in exasperation.
"In that case I have no choice but to keep you here. The commander has given me strict orders."
"But I'm innocent!" Gonzales insisted.
"What's going on here?" Gabriel asked, feeling annoyed that the others hadn't halted their conversation when he had entered.
"Lieutenant, you've got to help me! They think I tried to murder Don José!" Gonzales said, looking at him with desperate eyes.
Gabriel ignored the plea and turned to talk to Jekyll. "Why didn't anyone tell me about this?"
"It was a direct order from Commander Raymond. He told me not to bother you with anything since you're off duty," Jekyll replied.
That bastard was really starting to get on Gabriel's nerves. Maybe it would have been better if Raymond had given him a real punishment and been done with it instead of bullying him with these petty jabs every chance he got. He could imagine the commander standing in his office, leering at him from the window.
"I want to know what happened," he said.
"It's actually quite simple. Yesterday at the party, someone tried to stab Don José to death. He was badly injured, but he's still alive. Sergeant Gonzales was having a private talk with him in the woods when the crime took place. Nobody reported seeing anyone else there, and we have witnesses who claim Don José and Gonzales had an argument earlier that evening," Jekyll explained. His face grew even grimmer. "Apparently, the sergeant had borrowed money from Don José and was having trouble paying it back."
"That's a clear motive," Gabriel mused.
"Don't talk about me like I'm not here!" Gonzales snapped.
"Do you deny these claims?" Gabriel asked.
Gonzales drew a deep breath like he was about to shout something, but then he just sighed and turned his eyes to his hands on the desk. "It's all true. I did have a debt to pay, and that's what we were talking about yesterday. But I didn't try to kill him! I was injured, too!" he said. To prove his words, he pointed at the bandage that was around his head.
"What's this?" Gabriel asked, glancing at Jekyll.
"Somehow the sergeant got injured as well. Commander Raymond thinks he had a fight with the victim."
"That's not true! Someone hit me from behind!"
"Then why did nobody see this other person? Everything you say just makes you look guiltier," Gabriel said. He could feel a headache coming. The last thing he had expected this morning was having to deal with this kind of stupidity. Based on the evidence, it was obvious that Gonzales was guilty. He didn't think the sergeant had planned it - he simply wasn't intelligent or malicious enough for that - but it was perfectly plausible that he had grown desperate during his talk with Don José and had acted without thinking. The fact that he had tried to kill the man at a crowded party further proved that.
"But I'm innocent!" Gonzales said.
Just then, there was a knock at the door, and a soldier entered.
"What is it?" Jekyll asked.
"Sir, there has been a new development. Commander Raymond would like to have a word with you," the soldier.
"Alright, I'm coming at once," Jekyll said. He turned to address Gabriel. "I trust I can leave the suspect under your supervision, Lieutenant?"
"Of course, sir."
After Jekyll had gone, Gonzales collapsed against the desk and buried his face in his hands. "Why won't anyone believe me?"
"Get yourself together, Sergeant. Feeling sorry for yourself won't help. You should try to take some responsibility for your actions instead," Gabriel said.
"But I didn't do it!"
"You admitted that you owed him money and couldn't pay back. That's as good as a confession," Gabriel said. He wished Gonzales would just make the whole matter easier for them and admit his guilt. Wasting everyone's time like this wouldn't get them anywhere, and it was pathetic to see an army officer wallow in self-pity in such a way.
Gonzales lifted his head to look up at him. "I didn't owe him that much money. I would never kill for such a petty sum!"
"Save your stories for someone else. I'm not interested in hearing them," Gabriel said.
"Listen to me, Lieutenant! I'm innocent!" Gonzales jumped on his feet and slammed his hands on the desk, glaring at him with sudden intensity that left Gabriel at a loss for words for a moment. "I would never murder anyone for any reason! I'd never steal! I'd never even be cruel to animals! I've served the army faithfully for years! I can't believe nobody has any faith in me!" Gonzales continued. He had a betrayed look on his face, and Gabriel thought he could see some actual tears forming in his eyes. This was getting embarrassing.
"Who else would have a reason to kill him? Don José is one of the most important men in the area," he said.
"That's exactly why he must have many enemies!" Gonzales said. "Anyone of them could have -"
"Maybe," Gabriel admitted, "but you'll be guilty for as long as Commander Raymond thinks so."
Gonzales looked like he was ready to start tearing his hair off his head. "He can't just decide if I'm guilty or not! There needs to be a proper investigation," he argued.
"Since we don't have any other suspects, there isn't anything to investigate, is there?" Gabriel asked.
Gonzales just sat back down on his chair with a defeated sigh. Maybe he was finally getting that it was useless to argue about this. Gabriel supposed it was just natural that he would try to deny everything. The punishment for trying to murder someone was harsh, and Raymond would probably be twice crueller than usual since the victim was a respected member of the society.
It's probably time to start looking for a new sergeant, Gabriel thought. It was too bad. He had grown to tolerate Gonzales as of late.
Some moments later, Jekyll returned to the office, accompanied by several soldiers. They were escorting a young man whom Gabriel had never seen before in his life. Gonzales, however, seemed to recognise him at once because a startled look appeared on his face when the man entered.
"Sergeant Gonzales, you're free to go," Jekyll announced.
"What?" Gabriel and Gonzales asked at the same time.
"We have found a new suspect. Commander Raymond sees no reason to hold you responsible anymore," Jekyll said.
Gabriel eyed the strange young man. He had a slim build, and his hair was unusually reddish brown. He was well dressed, but he looked anything but nobility at the moment. His face was marred by a grim, unbelieving expression.
"Who is this?" Gabriel asked.
"This is Lapaz, Don José's son. Commander Raymond thinks he's the culprit," Jekyll said.
"Him? What reason could he have to kill his own father?" Gabriel asked. This made even less sense than Gonzales being guilty.
"That's what I'm going to find out," Jekyll said. He motioned for Gonzales to get up from his seat and make room for Lapaz. The sergeant did as was asked, blinking in surprised silence as he walked to the door. Lapaz didn't say anything either as he collapsed on the seat with a worried frown on his face. Gabriel couldn't tell which one of them looked more stunned.
"Lieutenant, would you take Sergeant Gonzales out for a drink? I'm sure he needs it," Jekyll said.
"Of course, sir."
Gabriel grabbed Gonzales by the arm and dragged him out of the office. "Well, you got lucky today," he said once they were outside. He expected Gonzales to be happy, as he very much should have been, but the stunned expression on the man's face was quickly taken over by anger and annoyance. He yanked his arm free of Gabriel's hold.
"I told you I was innocent, but you didn't believe me!" he snapped.
"There was no reason to believe you. All the evidence was against you. Don't make such a show about this."
"Show? I was falsely accused of trying to murder a man! I could have been sentenced to death!" Gonzales said. He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, groaning as he let the horrible possibility hang in the air. "You all just decided that I was guilty and wouldn't even listen to what I had to say."
"All of that was standard practice. Did you think there would be an exception for you?" Gabriel asked, starting to grow irritated as well. Who did Gonzales think he was? Just because he worked for the army, he wasn't entitled to any special treatment. The rest of them weren't his friends. In fact, being an officer meant he had to be treated even more harshly than civilians so that they wouldn't be accused of being easy on their own.
Gonzales' eyes were blazing, and for a moment Gabriel was sure that he was going to say yes, but then his shoulders slumped and he shook his head. "Of course not, sir," he said.
"Good," Gabriel said. "Now, are you coming with me or not? I have a bottle of wine in my room."
"No, sir. I don't think I can. I need to be alone for a while," Gonzales said.
"Fine. Suit yourself," Gabriel remarked. What an idiot. Now Gonzales was offended because he hadn't been treated nicely in an official interrogation. Had he been on duty, he would have made Gonzales run twenty times around the barracks or cancelled his next day off to remind him that the army wasn't a nice place. He shook his head in disgust and decided to have some breakfast. Then he'd see if he could find out anything about this mysterious murder case. It was the most interesting incident that had happened in quite a while.
Sergeant Gonzales didn't care one bit about that he was on duty and had work to do. He went to get his horse and rode straight to town where he sank down on a seat before his favourite tavern and ordered himself a bottle of wine. He had to get away from the barracks and everyone who worked for the army. The mere thought of staying there for one more moment made him sick.
I can't accept that they didn't believe me, he thought as he poured his glass full. Commander Raymond was no surprise. That man could be like a venomous snake sometimes, and Gonzales had always got the feeling that Raymond didn't like him. However, he had had more faith in Jekyll and even in Gabriel. Jekyll had seemed like a decent man who cared about doing the right thing. And Gabriel... Gonzales wouldn't describe them as friends, but he was bothered by that the lieutenant had immediately condemned him. No, not just bothered. He was truly hurt by it. He had felt so sorry for Gabriel after his injury and done his best to help him, and this was what he got in return?
"Why do I even bother serving the army?" he muttered out loud. He never got any respect. All the problems were somehow always his fault. It was like he didn't even have a purpose in the army except being a punching bag for all the others. He probably wasn't good even at that since they had been so willing to abandon him today.
He filled his glass again and finished it with a few gulps. Maybe he really was that useless. His mother had always said the army wasn't the right place for him. Lieutenant Gabriel was always yelling at him and calling him stupid. Even some of the soldiers treated him like he was an idiot. Well, damn them!
"Hey, Sergeant Gonzales!"
Gonzales turned to look when he heard Diego call out his name. The young man was approaching him with a casual wave and a smile on his face. Seeing someone who was always friendly to him soothed Gonzales' bad mood a little, and he felt his shoulders relax.
"Hello, Diego. Sit down and have a drink with me," he said.
"Isn't it a little early to be drinking?" Diego asked as he took a seat.
"Not today. You have no idea what I've been through today," Gonzales said. He took the bottle and poured himself some more wine.
Diego frowned as if an idea had just occurred to him. "That reminds me. I thought they had arrested you for the attempted murder of Don José."
"They did!" Gonzales snapped and slammed the wine bottle on the table.
Diego let out a yelp and blinked in surprise. "Then why are you here?"
"They let me go when they found a suspect with a stronger motive."
"Well, that's good," Diego said. "I knew from the start that you would never do something like that."
"You did?" Gonzales asked, hardly believing what he was hearing.
"But of course," Diego said. He was smiling in such a sincere way that Gonzales had to turn his eyes down; it felt so good to know that at least one person in the world knew that he was an honest man. After the disappointment of Gabriel not believing him, Diego's words were almost enough to make him cry.
"Thank you. You have no idea what that means to me," he said quietly, not quite trusting his voice.
"It's nothing. I'm sure nobody really thought that you were guilty."
Gonzales shook his head. "They all thought I did it. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I thought at least Lieutenant Gabriel would believe me. I've been helping him, and I thought... But maybe I'm just stupid." Yes, it was stupid. He felt his face grow hot with embarrassment for having even mentioned it to Diego. He expected to see that same old smile on Diego's face and maybe hear a word or two about how it certainly couldn't be that bad. When he lifted his eyes to look, he saw an uncharacteristically solemn look in Diego's eyes. There was no sign of a smile. He looked like a different person.
"Sergeant Gonzales," Diego started.
Gonzales couldn't help but be started by his voice. He even sounded different.
"What?" he asked.
"You shouldn't let the opinions of others bring you down so much. That the others didn't believe you speaks ill of them, not you."
"But they're my superiors! They're better officers than me."
"Being a good officer doesn't necessarily mean you're a good person."
Gonzales could only stare at him for a moment. This wasn't like the Diego de la Vega he knew. He looked so serious, and his words were so thoughtful and said in such a grave tone. Gonzales could have expected this from Don Alejandro, but never Diego.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
The smile returned to Diego's face and he shrugged. "I just think that the others were wrong. I mean, you are innocent, right? You should forget about what the others say."
"I don't know," Gonzales admitted. He looked at Diego's airy smile and wondered if he had just imagined their exchange a few moments ago. Maybe he had drunk more than he had thought.
"In any case, I think you're a great officer. This town wouldn't survive without you," Diego said.
"I'm not so sure about that," Gonzales muttered, but he was starting to feel a little better. Now that he had had something to drink and some nice words to stroke his ego, things didn't look so bad anymore. He had probably overreacted a little. He still felt hurt after how everyone had yelled at him, but at least it was over now.
"You mentioned that they arrested another suspect. Who was that?" Diego asked.
"I probably shouldn't be talking about it, but what the heck. You're the only person who has been nice to me today," Gonzales said. He took a sip of his wine before he continued, "They've arrested Lapaz, Don José's son."
"What?" Diego blurted out. "Lapaz would never want to kill his own father!"
"Yes, it doesn't make much sense," Gonzales said. He didn't know Lapaz at all, but after the ordeal he had been through this morning, he was willing to feel sympathy for anyone who suffered the same fate. And Diego did have a point. What reason would Lapaz have to murder his father on the very same day that he arrived from Spain?
"Do you know why they suspect him?" Diego asked.
"I have no idea. Captain Jekyll is handling the investigation."
"Hmm," Diego said and rubbed his chin.
"Lapaz is your friend, isn't he? Whatever happens, you should be by his side if you think he's innocent," Gonzales said.
Diego nodded. "Of course. I know he would never do something like this," he said. He spent a moment tapping his finger against the table, but then he got up. "I'm sorry to leave so soon, Sergeant, but I just remembered that I promised my father I'd run some errands for him this morning."
"Oh, it's no problem. It was nice talking to you," Gonzales said. He watched Diego leave and then turned his eyes to his half-empty wine bottle. He considered finishing it, but he decided that he was no longer feeling so down that he needed it. It would probably be a good idea to return to the barracks and see if there was anything he could do. His earlier decision to stay away from the investigation felt childish and petty now.
"Yes, that's right," he said out loud and nodded to himself. He couldn't let this incident bother him. He'd just have to hold his head high and keep working even harder. One day everyone would notice his efforts and give him the recognition he deserved.
Gabriel watched how soldiers ran around the barracks and got their horses and muskets ready. Earlier that day, Zorro had helped Lapaz escape from prison only a few hours before Raymond would have carried out his death sentence. The first search party had just returned empty-handed. Raymond was so furious that he had decided to lead the next group himself and go straight to Don José's estate. He was sure Lapaz would try to go back home.
As he was sitting on a crate and observing the hurry of the others, Gabriel couldn't help but feel like an outsider. He should have been there, riding by Raymond's side and helping him capture that criminal. Jekyll and even Gonzales were going. Nobody important would be left at the barracks.
If he was entirely honest with himself, he didn't care one bit about capturing Lapaz. It was Zorro he was after. The thought that the rebel had been right here at the barracks was infuriating. He had been so close, and Gabriel hadn't even seen him! He felt his hands shake with suppressed fury, and he wished Zorro was there right before him. He didn't care how he'd do it, but somehow he'd kill that bastard the next time they met.
"Move faster! We don't have all night!" Raymond barked at some of the men who weren't working quickly enough to his liking. The terrified soldiers nearly dropped their muskets and hurried to mount their horses.
Raymond turned to look at Gabriel's direction for a moment. The distance between them was too long for Gabriel to see the expression on the commander's face, but he didn't have a hard time picturing the cold stare and the unhappy line of his lips. Even from far away, he sensed the commander's distaste for him. Gabriel refused to turn his eyes away, feeling his anger flare up when he thought about how Raymond had been treating him lately. His injury wasn't his fault, and it wasn't fair that he had to endure this passive-aggressive behaviour.
Finally, everything was ready. Raymond rode around the men to inspect that everything was in order and then made his way to the front of the group.
"Onwards! We have to catch him before morning!" he yelled and motioned for everyone to follow him.
After everyone had ridden through the gates and the galloping of their horses could no longer be heard, the barracks suddenly felt awfully empty and dead. Two soldiers remained by the gates to keep watch. There was nothing left to see, so Gabriel decided to return to his room.
He wasn't sure what he wanted to see when the others returned. If everything went as usual, they would certainly run into Zorro while chasing Lapaz. Nothing could have made him happier than seeing Zorro beaten and in chains, but not like this. He had to be the one to capture him and see the desperation on his face right before he removed his mask. If Raymond caught him tonight, the revenge just wouldn't be as satisfactory.
Gabriel knew nobody would wake him up when the troops returned, so he didn't go to bed. He sat by the table, growing more and more frustrated as his boredom increased. He was itching to get on horseback and lead the men through their practice. Even more than that, he missed the feeling of being important.
He glanced towards the corner where his sword was leaning against the wall. The other day, Dr. Timothy had told him what he should do to exercise his arm to make sure it didn't get stiff. Gabriel supposed this should have made him feel better and determined since it gave him something to do, but it only added to his worries. Moving his arm hurt, and it felt so clumsy and useless whenever he tried to do something that he was tempted to just let it be.
Some hours later, there was the sound of horses galloping. Gabriel got up and rushed outside as fast as he could to greet the returning soldiers. He immediately spotted two bound men on horseback, but there was no sign of Zorro or Lapaz.
Raymond got off his horse and shoved the reins into the hands of the closest soldier. His whole body was stiff with anger, and he didn't even turn to look at the men when he addressed them.
"Throw those two in prison right now!" he barked and started marching towards the main building.
"Yes, sir!" Jekyll said and proceeded to give the soldiers their orders.
Gabriel watched the two men being led away and wondered what had happened. Raymond had looked so furious that he didn't dare even think about going to his office, so he decided to approach Gonzales.
"Who are those two?" he asked.
"They're the men who tried to murder Don José," Gonzales said.
Gabriel didn't miss the triumphant tone in his voice. "So, am I supposed to believe that Lapaz is innocent?"
"Absolutely, sir. Just like I'm innocent," Gonzales replied.
"And how did you capture those two?" Gabriel asked, frowning at the way Gonzales was looking at him. His eyes had a challenging and determined gleam in them, like he was suddenly very proud of himself for some reason.
"Zorro tricked them into revealing themselves at Don José estate, right before all the people and the army!" Gonzales said, a huge smile appearing on his face. "You should have been there, Lieutenant! Zorro had all the necessary evidence of their guilt. Then Don José came and said they were the ones who tried to kill him, and then there was a fight and -"
"That's enough! I don't want to hear more!" Gabriel snapped.
"But Lieutenant -!"
"No, I've had it. Not one word about Zorro if you know what's good for you," Gabriel said.
"Yes, sir," Gonzales said with a defeated sigh.
Gabriel turned away in anger, gritting his teeth at the thought that Zorro had bested them yet again. No wonder Raymond had been furious. Zorro had made fools of the whole army in front of everybody.
If only he didn't have to worry about his shoulder. That was all Zorro's fault, and yet he dared to continue his fight against the army like nothing had happened, all the while Gabriel had to waste his time recovering. At that moment his desire to run a sword through that damn pest burned stronger than ever.