Chapter 5 – The alcalde's move

It was about three weeks after she had broken up with Zorro that the alcalde made his move. Obviously he didn't believe their story being too eager to catch Zorro. Once more she was arrested for conspiring with Zorro.

"Alcalde this is ridiculous. I'm no longer in love with Zorro. We broke up some weeks ago. He will no longer come for my rescue."

"Senorita, we will see. I don't think he will leave you in prison after all the time he has been courting you. He will come to free you and I will catch him finally."

"Take her to prison and keep a constant guard on her," he ordered his lancers.

Diego visited the alcalde as soon as he heard of Victoria's arrest.

"Alcalde, what do you think you will achieve with imprisoning Senorita Escalante? She has broken up with Zorro and now she is useless as a bait."

"That is what you believe Don Diego, but I'm sure he will come for his love."

"And if he doesn't? What will you do then? I ask you to free her."

"You can ask as much as you like, but it won't change my mind. Senorita Escalante will stay in prison and if Zorro doesn't come, she will hang in his stead."

"You cannot hang an innocent woman."

"I can and I will."

"I want a fair trial. She has a right to defend herself."

"So you want to defend her in the trial?"

"Yes, of course."

"I must disappoint you, but there will be no trial."

"Then I will appeal to the governor."

"You can try that Don Diego, but I don't think the Governor will reply in time. Senorita Escalante will hang in three days if Zorro does not turn himself in."

"You will regret that, Alcalde," growled Diego.

"Do I hear a threat from you Don Diego? I know you haven't the bones to threat me. I advise you to keep quiet if you do not want to join the senorita in prison."

"Can I see her?" Diego said trying to restrain himself.

"Of course. Mendoza! Mendoza!" he called the sergeant who hurried into the room.

"Take Don Diego to Senorita Escalante."

"Si, Alcalde." After fumbling with his keys Mendoza opened the door to the prison and allowed Diego to see Victoria.

"Don Diego you have 15 minutes with Senorita Escalante."

"Diego, I'm glad to see you. Thank you for coming."

"Victoria, do you need something? What can I do for you?"

"Diego, please help me to get out of here."

"What about Zorro? Won't he come and free you?"

"No, not any more. Besides I don't want him to come. It is a trap and he knows it. I'm constantly guarded by lancers and there is no chance for him to get me out without being caught himself."

"Victoria, I will do what I can. The alcalde won't give you a trial and plans to hang you in three days if Zorro does not turn himself in."

"Diego, what can you do then?" Victoria started to cry.

Diego longed to take her in his arms and comfort her but they were separated by the bars of the jail. He reached through the bars and took her hands in his.

"Victoria, we have three more days. I will try to think about something. My father has sent an appeal to the governor in Monterey on your behalf."

"But it takes 2 days to get to Monterey. Even if the governor would look at my case immediately his answer will not get here in time."

"Victoria, I may not be a man who fights with the sword, but there are other ways of fighting."

"Diego, thank you for efforts to help me, but I don't think you can get me out of here with talking."

"Don't you know that the pen is mightier than the sword?" Diego smiled, trying to cheer her up.

"Your time is up, Don Diego," Mendoza apologized. "The alcalde has granted you only 15 minutes. But you can come back later."