Both this and the following chapter are based on episode 22, Gonzales, the Thief. This chapter takes place almost immediately after the previous one.

THE RIGHT TURN OF THE ROAD

Chapter 8

Gabriel was still feeling angry the next morning, but he pushed that out of his mind as he walked through the yard towards the main gate. His shoulder was aching from all the riding on the previous day, and he wasn't looking forward to exercising his arm. He was glad he didn't see Gonzales anywhere because having to look at the sergeant's face that early when he was already cranky would have been the final straw.

When he returned from the mountains some time later, he immediately sensed a change at the barracks. Several soldiers were mounting their horses with muskets secured on their backs. A few other men were engaged in a heated argument about something.

Gabriel frowned as he watched the soldiers ride through the main gate. He was sure there wasn't supposed to be any patrols at that time.

He marched to the nearest group of men. "What's going on here?" he asked.

"Sir!" one of them said with a salute. "We've been given orders to find and arrest Sergeant Gonzales at once."

"What has that idiot done this time?" Gabriel asked.

"He is suspected of breaking into a house and stealing a valuable gem last night."

For a moment Gabriel just stared at the man, searching his face for signs that he was joking and ready to explode at him the moment he found any. Even if Gonzales was a fool sometimes, spreading such lies about an officer was a serious offence. Gabriel didn't have the sense of humour to appreciate it.

"What?" he finally asked when it looked like the soldier was being serious. He was getting an eerie sense of déjà vu. This was just like when Gonzales had been accused of trying to murder Don José. How was it even possible for one man to get into trouble like this all the time?

"It's true, Lieutenant. He stole the gem and fled the scene. All the available men are looking for him," the soldier said.

"I don't believe it," Gabriel said, though his shock was more directed at the fact that they were in this situation again rather than on whether Gonzales was innocent or not. He couldn't really bring himself to think about that yet.

"These are Commander Raymond's orders," the soldier said, probably thinking that Gabriel was taking Gonzales' side on the matter.

"Then why are you standing here? Go and arrest the sergeant!" Gabriel snapped.

"Yes, sir!" all the men said. They ran off as fast as they could, leaving Gabriel to stand alone on the front yard.

He sighed and closed his eyes, wondering what he should do next. He didn't know anything about what had happened, so he wasn't sure what to think. It was hard to believe that Gonzales would do something like this, but he wasn't going to count that out for as long as he didn't know more. And in any case, it shouldn't even matter. If Raymond said they had to arrest him, that's exactly what they would do.

Gabriel grimaced in annoyance at the thought of the commander. Even now when it was less than a week until he'd return to duty, Raymond hadn't called him to his office to hear orders. Gabriel had thought about going uninvited, but, much to his irritation, the idea terrified him a little. It was clear Raymond was still angry at him. Otherwise he wouldn't have bothered to order the men to keep things from him just to spite him the previous day.

Now, however, he had the perfect reason to go to talk to him. He could volunteer to return to duty earlier so that he could help with capturing Gonzales. That should make Raymond happy and maybe his return to duty would go smoothly. Yes, that's exactly what he'd do. He'd just have to swallow his irritation at the man and act like nothing was wrong.

He entered the main building and soon arrived at Raymond's office. He raised his hand to knock on the door, but he stopped in mid-movement when he heard voices coming from inside.

"Even if we don't find the stolen gem, it's going to bring us good publicity if we can make an arrest," Raymond said.

"I agree, sir, but what if Sergeant Gonzales is innocent? I can't believe he'd do anything like this," Jekyll replied in a careful voice. He had learned fast. Gabriel always used the same tone on those rare occasions when he tried to disagree with Raymond.

"All the evidence is against him!" Raymond snapped. "He was seen by the lady of the house. He fled from the crime scene, and the gem went missing with him. What more do you need, Captain?"

Jekyll cleared his throat. "Sir, I agree that it doesn't look very good, but we're talking about an officer of the Spanish army and -"

"And that's exactly why we should deal with this matter quickly. I want Gonzales found and arrested by this afternoon. Is that clear?" Raymond asked. His voice was so venomous that Gabriel knew he would have immediately stuttered an apology and fled the office. Jekyll, however, had a bit more courage – or stupidity – than that.

"Sir, I must ask you to recon-"

"I don't want to hear any more excuses, or I will have you arrested as well!" Raymond snarled.

"I… Yes, sir," Jekyll said. He sounded strained, and Gabriel could very well imagine the frustration he had to be feeling. Raymond was always difficult when he was angry.

"Have you put all the available men on the case? I need to visit Madam de Sías in a moment, and I'd prefer to tell her we're doing everything we can to find the gem," Raymond said.

"Yes, almost all the men are looking for Gonzales as we speak."

"Good."

"Sir?"

"Yes, what is it?"

"I was wondering about Lieutenant Gabriel. I know he's not supposed to return to duty until next week, but maybe we should ask for his assistance now," Jekyll suggested.

"No, that won't be necessary. I don't want him involved in this incident at all."

"My apologies. I only assumed it would be better to have one more officer leading the men," Jekyll said.

"That's true, but I hardly think it's worth it to bother him with something like this. We can do this without his help. In fact, it's probably for the best not to let him get involved with something as important as this when he has been off duty for so long," Raymond said.

The jeering tone of the commander's voice made Gabriel take a step back like he had just been punched in the face. He was used to Raymond speaking like that to him, but now he was mocking him to Jekyll, too? This probably wasn't even the first time. Maybe he'd next make fun of him before the men or even the citizens!

Gabriel found himself staring at the door and cursing Raymond in his mind. That smug bastard just couldn't let go of the fact that he had been injured and unable to work on their operations. It wasn't his fault that Zorro had done that to him! It wasn't like he had got into this of his own choosing. The fact that Raymond refused to accept that even after all this time made him tremble with such fury that he almost knocked on the door so that he could go in and yell at him to treat him better.

"I have no reason to believe that the lieutenant wouldn't be up to the task, sir," Jekyll said.

"That is my decision. This is a very delicate matter, and someone who is known for making foolish decisions would only make things worse for us," Raymond stated. "But none of this matters now. I'm going to visit the victim and tell her we'll have the culprit arrested in no time."

Gabriel stepped back when he realised that being found eavesdropping behind the door was not what he wanted. He took a quick glance around and hurried down the hall before anyone would see him there. Once he was sure he was safe, he leaned against the wall and closed his eyes for a moment to get in control of his angry thoughts.

Foolish decisions? That bastard had no right to talk! Wasn't he the one who had wanted to frame Don Alejandro for stealing and had caused shame to the whole army when he had been found out? Wasn't he the one who had let that Brown trick him with stolen wine? And Raymond was the one who hadn't realised where the forged money was coming from even when he had had the culprit standing before him in his office!

But it wasn't really about any decisions, foolish or not. Gabriel knew Raymond well enough to know that all that really mattered to the commander was his own public image and glory. No doubt he simply wanted to make a quick arrest to appear competent. That's why he had arrested Gonzales in Don José's case, and that's why he was trying to do the same now. Gabriel was willing to bet that was also why Raymond didn't want his help. If there was a successful arrest, everyone involved would get a share of the fame. Not letting Gabriel have that was just yet another way of taking revenge on him for something that wasn't even his fault.

"Damn him," he growled. Was he just supposed to stand back and watch how everything went exactly according to Raymond's plan? Even if he had been allowed to help with arresting Gonzales, he would have been doing exactly what Raymond wanted. After the way the commander had just ignored him for the past two months, returning to serve him unconditionally tasted a little sour in his mouth.

Then there was the fact that Gonzales was probably innocent. Just like Jekyll had said, it wasn't like him to steal anything. Unless it was food, Gabriel supposed, but even then he had to be pretty hungry to do it. Gabriel was sure Raymond knew of Gonzales' innocence, too. Normally it wouldn't have bothered him much that the commander was sacrificing an innocent man like that, but now he felt a slight sense of companionship with the sergeant. Gonzales had been helping him a great deal as of late and been almost enjoyable company. It just wasn't right that Raymond would do this. The commander was using them both as pawns in his schemes.

But there wasn't much he could do about that. Everyone had the orders to find and arrest Gonzales, and going against Raymond's will was such a dangerous game that Gabriel wasn't sure if he wanted to try it. And yet, imagining the fury on the commander's face when he'd hear that his plans of a swift arrest were ruined was very satisfying. Now that he was this angry, all thoughts of possible consequences were lost to him. All that mattered was the grim temptation.

He wasn't sure what he'd do, but he knew he couldn't just stay back at the barracks and let everything go like Raymond had planned.

Gabriel decided to have a walk in town so that he could hear the latest news about Gonzales. He was certain that all of San Tasco had to be buzzing with excitement after an incident like this. Sure enough, the streets were filled with people loitering about and talking to each other. Most of them were gathered around wanted posters of Gonzales that were hanging at every corner. Gabriel spotted even Lolita's parents in the crowd, whispering excitedly about the reward offered for the sergeant.

It was almost funny how fast people turned on you when you worked for the army and there was money involved. Gabriel briefly mulled over how quickly people would take out the pitchforks and fire if they were given the opportunity to come after Raymond – or him. It was probably better not to think about it.

He stopped on his tracks when he noticed more familiar faces on the other side of the street. There was Lolita together with Diego, Bernard, Maria and their dogs. Wait. Gabriel had to blink. Was that really Maria next to the carriage? He could have sworn she was a little taller.

In fact, he was sure of it. He frowned as he stared at the figure wearing the dress. That wasn't Maria. He couldn't help but smirk when he finally got it. It was obvious that Lolita and the others were hiding Gonzales.

His suspicions were confirmed when he approached the group and saw the panic in their eyes as they realised that he was coming to talk to then. Lolita ran to greet him and took his arm.

"Oh, Lieutenant Gabriel! Good day!" she said with an airy giggle and tried to pull him away from the others. "I was just thinking that I'd really like it if you came shopping with me and told me which hat looks the best with my hair."

"Everything always looks good on you, Lolita," Gabriel said, enjoying this sudden attention even though he could tell she was faking it. He wriggled his arm free and was amused to see the surprised and dismayed look on her face. It served her right. If she thought she could pull him along like he was in a leash, she was very wrong.

He plastered his face with his sweetest smile and turned to face the others. Gonzales had his back turned to him, but Diego and Bernard were staring at him with the same surprise as Lolita.

"Well, good day, everyone. It's such a nice day to be strolling in town, isn't it?" Gabriel asked.

"Uh… yes!" Diego blurted out, doing his best to smile and appear carefree.

"I see you even brought Maria with you. I don't think I ever thanked her properly for taking such good care of me," Gabriel said. He loved the panic he saw in everyone's eyes, and it took all his self-control to stop a cruel smirk from slipping to his face.

He tried to take a step closer to Gonzales, but Diego jumped into his way.

"Oh, no, Lieutenant! Maria is so very shy. Especially around men. It would be better if you didn't try to talk to her. She's going to be all flustered."

"Is that so?" Gabriel asked. "In that case you had better take… Maria away from here. I hear Commander Raymond is looking for her."

"What?" Diego asked with a stupid look on his face.

Gabriel let his nice act drop and crossed his arms on his chest. "Do you think I'm an idiot? Anyone can see who you're hiding there."

Lolita groaned. "I knew it was a stupid idea to come to town like this."

"What are we going to do now?" Bernard asked, turning to look at Diego for advice. Gabriel wanted to laugh. As if that weak idiot would know what to do.

Gonzales turned around a little so that Gabriel could see part of his face from under the scarf he was wearing. His hands were shaking.

"Lieutenant, please! I'm innocent! I would never steal anything. You've got to -"

"Yes, yes. I know that you're innocent," Gabriel interrupted.

"What? Really?" Gonzales blurted out, turning around to face him and then back again when he realised that people in the street might see him. "You really believe that I'm innocent?" he asked again, his voice full of wonder.

"I'm not stupid. Everyone knows that you aren't intelligent enough to be a thief," Gabriel said. His patience was growing thin, but he found the sergeant's awe a little flattering.

"Well, in that case the whole matter is resolved. If Gabriel believes you, you can both just go to Raymond and explain this misunderstanding to him," Diego said.

Gabriel shook his head. "Captain Jekyll already tried that. Raymond just wants to make a quick arrest. He doesn't care if he gets the guilty man or not."

"Oh, I knew it! Then it's hopeless! I'm doomed!" Gonzales moaned. He leaned on the carriage for support and pressed his head against it. Gabriel thought he was a pitiful sight, but he guessed that Gonzales had every right to be upset when the only people willing to help him were a pathetic failure of a man, a woman and a little boy.

"It looks like our only option is to find the real thief after all. We just have to wait here to see if he goes to see Brown," Lolita said.

"I hope nothing dangerous happens," Diego remarked, glancing between his friends with a nervous smile.

"Don't be so weak every time someone needs your help!" Lolita snapped.

"But Lolita…"

Gabriel watched Diego and Lolita's argument for a moment and wondered what his next move should be. His amusement at Gonzales' pathetic attempt at hiding had diluted his anger a little. As much as Raymond's behaviour frustrated him, he could no longer ignore what would happen if he went against the commander's orders. As tempting as it was, he wasn't sure he wanted to take the risk.

"So, Lieutenant. I guess this is the end," Gonzales said in a defeated tone.

"What do you mean?" Gabriel asked.

"Well, you're probably going to turn me in, right? Those are the commander's orders," the sergeant said. He sounded absolutely miserable, like he had already given up.

Gabriel wasn't sure. It was the most sensible thing to do, but he found the thought of it a little uncomfortable for several reasons. Even if he wasn't consumed by his anger anymore, he could still imagine how delightful it would be to see Raymond's plans fail. Arresting Gonzales after he had helped him so much and when he knew that he was innocent almost felt like a betrayal – and he would gain nothing by doing that. Then there was the fact that everyone was now staring at him and waiting for his answer. It was the perfect chance to look good in Lolita's eyes.

All things considered, however, the reason that felt the most urgent was his desire to see Raymond humbled. The commander deserved nothing less after the way he had treated him. Just thinking back to how he had talked about him to Jekyll was enough to make his anger flare up again and give him the confidence he needed.

"No," he finally said.

"What?" Gonzales blurted out.

"Why not?" Lolita asked, frowning in suspicion.

"Because I know Gonzales is innocent, and a noble man like me simply can't stand to see such injustice done," Gabriel boasted.

Sadly, Lolita wasn't impressed. Her frown just deepened, and she placed her hands on her hips. "That's rubbish. There must be something in this for you," she said. She hummed in thought. "Besides, that would be going directly against Commander Raymond's orders."

"Not really," Gabriel said. "I'm still off duty and I haven't been given any orders. I'm just a civilian doing what he thinks is right."

Lolita snorted and opened her mouth to snap something at him, but Diego cleared his throat before she had the time to start.

"Maybe we should continue this discussion later," Diego said. He was making hasty gestures with his hands. When Gabriel turned to look, he saw that Lolita's father was approaching them.

"Lolita, what are you doing here? I didn't know you wanted to come to town, too," her father said and marched over to greet them with a wide smile. A somewhat confused frown appeared on his face when he realised that Gabriel was there as well, seemingly getting along with the others. However, Don Carlos quickly hid his puzzlement and greeted the lieutenant with the same enthusiasm he had offered to the others.

"Hello, papa," Lolita said and jumped between Gonzales and her father so that he wouldn't see the sergeant.

"Why are you wasting your time here? Shouldn't you be looking for Gonzales, too?" Don Carlos asked. He turned to look at Gabriel and lifted his brows hopefully as something suddenly seemed to occur to him. He grabbed Lolita's arm and pulled her a few steps away from the others.

"What are you doing?" Lolita asked.

"The lieutenant probably has some insight information about Gonzales. I think you should be nice to him and try to get him to talk. Then your mother and I can find Gonzales and get the reward," her father whispered, but everyone was able to hear what he was saying.

"Papa! I can't believe you'd suggest such a thing!" Lolita snapped and yanked her arm free.

"But Lolita! Do it for the family! That weak Diego will never help you find Gonzales," Don Carlos insisted.

"I'm not going to do that. It's despicable."

"There's nothing wrong with helping your parents make the ends meet. Honestly, sometimes it's hard to believe you're my daughter," Don Carlos said and threw up his arms in exasperation. He didn't seem genuinely mad, though, even when Lolita gave him a shove to the opposite direction to get him away from Gonzales.

"Let's find mum and then you two will go home. How can you turn against Gonzales like this when he has never done anything wrong?" Lolita scolded him and kept pushing him so that he had no choice but to keep going. The rest of them could hear his complaints until they had disappeared from sight.

"Well, that was close," Bernard muttered.

"Gonzales, I think it would be for the best for you to get inside the carriage. We'll be in trouble if someone recognises you," Diego suggested.

"Oh, right away," Gonzales said.

"So, why exactly are you here? This isn't a very good place to hide a wanted man," Gabriel said, nodding at Gonzales as he climbed inside the carriage and closed the door.

"Uh…" Diego said and exchanged a worried glance with Bernard.

"I already said I'm not going to turn you in. Tell me what's going on."

"It's just that it's a little odd to see you being so…" Diego trailed off, failing to find the words to describe Gabriel's behaviour. "I mean… You just never struck me as the kind of person who'd… Never mind. I don't even know what I'm trying to say."

"I'm not here to discuss my reasons with you," Gabriel remarked. He wasn't really even sure what he wanted to accomplish anymore. He felt out of place talking to Diego like this. He had every reason to loathe him, and he couldn't recall the two of them ever working towards the same goal. In fact, he would have rather seen Diego leave. If it was just him and Gonzales, he could at least pretend that this was purely an army matter.

"Well, I'm glad you're here, sir. It makes me feel like I have hope of getting through this when there are people who believe in me," Gonzales pointed out.

Diego chuckled and rubbed the back of his head. "I guess we can put our differences aside when we're all here to help a friend."

"So, are you going to tell me what you're doing here or not?" Gabriel asked.

"We think that the real thief is going to try to sell the gem to Mr. Brown, so we're keeping watch outside his store. Then we'll capture the culprit red-handed!" Gonzales explained.

"That might actually work," Gabriel mused. At the very least, all the evidence would be on Gonzales' side. Raymond would have no chance but to accept that the thief was someone else, no matter how much he wanted it to be otherwise. He couldn't help but smirk as he imagined the commander's anger at discovering the truth. He had let the whole town know that Gonzales was the main suspect. He would be humiliated before everyone when it turned out he had been wrong.

Suddenly, there was a loud growl from inside the carriage. Gabriel, Diego and Bernard turned to look, and Gonzales quickly hung his head before their eyes.

"I'm hungry," he admitted in defeat.

"You're an idiot. Don't you think you should be concentrating on more important matters than your stomach?" Gabriel asked.

"We still have time before Lolita comes back. I'll go and get you something to eat, Sergeant," Diego volunteered at once.

"Oh, would you do that? Thank you!" Gonzales said, his eyes brightening at the idea.

"We'll be right back!" Diego said and grabbed Bernard's arm, dragging the boy behind him and ignoring his surprised protests.

"Ouch! What got into you?" Bernard asked as soon as they were behind a corner and Diego let go of him. "I can walk on my own!"

"I'm sorry, but we had to be fast. We needed an excuse to get away before Lolita comes back. We have to decide what to do," Diego said, glancing around to make sure nobody was listening to them.

Bernard rubbed his wrist with a grimace but nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I think there's going to be trouble." He paused to ponder something for a moment, a deep frown settling on his young face. "Do you think Gabriel really wants to help us?"

"I don't know. I can't believe that he cares about what happens to Gonzales. He must have his own reasons for doing this," Diego replied.

"Maybe it's a trap."

Diego shook his head. "He could have turned us in the moment he realised Gonzales was there. He wouldn't gain anything from pretending to be on our side."

"Hmm, that's true, but I still don't trust him."

"Neither do I. I think it would be for the best if we took our leave as soon as we can. We can't do anything dressed like this," Diego said, lifting his vest and winking at Bernard.

"Right!" Bernard said enthusiastically.

Diego felt a little bothered by Bernard's obvious joy. He couldn't help but think back to the day when Gabriel had been shot because of them. That day, he had promised himself that he'd talk with Bernard and make him understand that he shouldn't join him on all of his missions anymore. He hadn't done it yet, and he was starting to loathe himself for it.

First he had told himself that there was no need to get hasty since things were so quiet without Gabriel on duty. Bernard needed to get over the shock of causing such an injury to someone, so it was for the best if there were no drastic changes in his life.

I should talk to him before it's too late, he thought in worry. He didn't even know why he felt so reluctant all of a sudden. Maybe he was afraid of losing Bernard's support. Zorro was a man who couldn't afford too many friends, and Bernard's innocent face was always a good reminder of why he wore the mask almost every night.

As they made their way to the market to get Gonzales something to eat, Diego went through the whole situation in his head. He couldn't decide whether he was supposed to feel glad or worried about Gabriel's odd behaviour. During the time he had known the lieutenant, Gabriel had never given him any reason to believe that he was anything but completely corrupt, selfish and incapable of feeling sympathy. He had always treated Gonzales like dirt. Diego couldn't come up with a single reason why Gabriel would want to help him now.

There has to be something in this for him, he thought. It worried him that he didn't know what it was, and he would have rather been without Gabriel's help. They already had to be wary because of Brown and the real thief. Having to watch their backs because of a supposed ally would make everything troublesome.

His only choice was to let Zorro enter the picture, he decided. He wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea. It meant he would have to leave Lolita and Gonzales alone with Gabriel. He didn't think the lieutenant would try to hurt them, but he couldn't help but feel bothered.

And then there was something else. Diego frowned as he thought back to what Gabriel had looked like. At first glance, there hadn't been anything odd about him. The difference was barely noticeable, and he wasn't sure if even Gabriel himself was aware of it. Diego had familiarized himself with Gabriel's posture and movements during their numerous duels, so it hadn't taken him long to notice how the lieutenant's right arm was positioned a little too much against his side and how he kept it unnaturally still, like moving it hurt.

He felt a stab of guilt. He hadn't spent much time thinking about the accident after it had become clear that Gabriel would live and when the lieutenant hadn't seemed that bothered by his injury. Diego knew there was no point in feeling guilty about what had been an accident, especially since any permanent injury Gabriel might suffer would make his work as Zorro much easier. He didn't like thinking that way, but Gabriel didn't deserve much sympathy after all of his evil actions.

He and Bernard bought a bag full of bread and hurried back to Gonzales and Gabriel. The lieutenant was leaning against the carriage with his arms crossed on his chest while Gonzales remained safely out of sight.

"So, we're back!" he announced with a wide grin.

"Finally! I'm starving," Gonzales said and reached for the bread from the window.

"It was barely five minutes," Gabriel pointed out.

"Even a minute feels long when you're really hungry."

"Well, now that you've got something to eat, I guess I and Bernard will get going," Diego announced.

"What? Where are you going?" Gonzales asked, poking his head outside the carriage and dropping the bread he had been about to bite into. His eyes were wide in alarm, and it twisted Diego's insides to know that he had no choice but to leave the sergeant. He could help him much more as Zorro, but poor Gonzales would always think that Diego had abandoned him.

"I just remembered that my father asked me to run some errands for him. I'm sorry, but I really can't stay here," he said with an apologetic smile.

"But Diego! You promised you'd help me!"

"I'm really sorry! Maybe next time." Diego waved goodbye to Gonzales and whistled for Tackle and Figaro to follow him and Bernard. The two dogs got up from under the carriage where they had been hiding from the sun and hurried after their masters.

"I have a plan," Diego said as soon as they had found a quiet spot where nobody would notice them. "We need to get changed and get our horses. I don't think we can make it back before the thief tries to contact Brown. Tackle and Figaro should stay here and keep an eye on things until we get back."

Bernard nodded and knelt down by Figaro's side. "Did you hear that, boy? Go back to the carriage with Tackle and don't let Gonzales out of your sight," he said. The little bulldog responded to this with a bark and a wag of his tail.

Satisfied that the dogs knew what they had to do, Diego and Bernard hurried to get back to the de la Vega estate so that they could return and help the others as soon as possible.

"That was a really mean thing to do," Gonzales said in misery, keeping his eyes downcast as he ate and talked.

Gabriel snorted. "What did you expect? I'm surprised that coward didn't leave earlier."

"But Diego is usually so nice to me. He has always stood by my side. I thought he was my friend."

"You don't need friends like him. He's a no-good idler and weakling who never does anything useful," Gabriel pointed out. Then again, maybe it wasn't so surprising that he and Gonzales got along so well.

"That's a little unfair. Diego may have his flaws, but he's nice, honest and loyal."

"Yes, he just displayed incredible loyalty by leaving you alone."

Gonzales sighed. "You're right," he admitted. "But I'm not entirely alone. You're here, Lieutenant!"

Gabriel just let out a hum. Now that Diego had left, he couldn't possibly do the same without coming off as a coward, too. He hoped he wouldn't come to regret his involvement in this mess.

"I know you're taking a great personal risk, Lieutenant," Gonzales pointed out. He frowned in puzzlement. "To be honest, I find it a little surprising that you'd do this for me."

"I already said that I know you're innocent. I would have to be stupid to think otherwise," Gabriel said.

"But the commander's orders -" Gonzales started, but he wisely shut up when Gabriel turned to glare at him.

"I couldn't care less about Raymond's orders right now," he growled.

"Hey!"

They both turned to look when they heard Lolita call out to them. She came running to them and looked around in confusion.

"Where are Diego and Bernard?" she asked.

Gonzales showed her the bread. "They left after they brought me something to eat. They had some urgent business," he explained.

"In other words, those two weaklings got scared and decided to leave Gonzales alone," Gabriel said.

"That's so low of them!" Lolita growled, clenching her fists in anger and disappointment at her friends. She turned to look at Gonzales with a reassuring smile. "Well, we won't need them! We can find the real thief on our own."

As if on cue, they suddenly saw Brown and one of his henchmen exit the store. Brown stood outside while the henchman went to get a carriage for him. Gabriel, Gonzales and Lolita watched them leave towards the woods in east.

"I bet they're going to meet with the thief. We must hurry," Lolita said. She climbed on the perch on the carriage and picked up the reins, ready to follow Brown.

Gabriel saw his chance and took a seat next to her. "Since Diego has abandoned us, why don't I -" he started and tried to slip his arm over Lolita's shoulder.

"Hands off!" Lolita snapped and shoved him to the ground.

"Hey, I'm still a recovering patient for nearly a week. You should try to be gentle with me," Gabriel complained playfully.

It was too bad Lolita wasn't in the mood. "Then go home and stay in bed," she said nonchalantly. "This adventure isn't for the disabled."

Gabriel felt like she had just slapped him across the face. All of a sudden, it was like his shoulder was still ablaze with the wound, and he could just stare at Lolita with a dumb-founded expression on his face. Was she being serious? Surely not, but her words still made a chill go through him.

She didn't seem to have noticed the effect her snap had had on him. Gabriel stared at her for a moment and hoped that she'd somehow indicate she was just joking. She never did, and he didn't want to face her now, so he went to sit with Gonzales inside the carriage.

Lolita urged the horses to get going even before Gabriel had properly closed the door. He lost his balance and stumbled against the cushions, cursing under his breath and wondering what he had got himself into.