Chapter 14

Alejandro and Felipe had booked a passage on a ship parting for Spain two weeks after Diego's and Victoria's return, leaving them on their own. Diego and Alejandro spent a lot of time together as Alejandro instructed him about the running of the hacienda. Alejandro was a bit surprised at first when he discovered that Diego knew a lot more than he had let on in the previous years.

Though Victoria and his father had made their peace, they weren't comfortable around each other and Diego realized that his father's decision was the right one. They all needed some time until they could be a normal family again. Though Diego had forgiven his father, Alejandro hadn't forgiven himself and probably never would.

Alejandro invited some of his friends and gave a farewell dinner on the evening of their departure. While he and Felipe were looking forward to their trip, it was a goodbye for months or even years, since they didn't know how long they'd stay away. Diego wished his son all the best, but it still hurt to let him go. They had grown close over the years, especially as they collaborated together on Zorro's work, and it would take some time to get used to the idea that Felipe was no longer around the hacienda.

'You have Victoria now and soon there will be the baby,' Felipe signed.

"It won't be the same, Felipe, you know that." Diego had tears in his eyes. "I have made you my son, because you have been that in my heart for many years now and I will miss you."

'I will miss you too, Father,' Felipe signed. 'Don't you want me to go?'

"No, it's alright. I know I have to let you go." Diego hugged him. "I love you, son."

'I love you too, Father. Thank you for everything. I can never repay you for the life you gave me.' Felipe hugged him, wiping the tears from his eyes.

Diego and Felipe joined the others who were saying goodbye to Alejandro outside the hacienda. The carriage that would take them to the harbor in San Pedro where their ship was waiting for them. They would stay the night on board the ship, leaving with the early morning tide.

"Good bye, Father," Diego hugged his father. "Have a safe journey and enjoy your trip."

"Good bye, Diego. I wish that everything goes well with Victoria and the baby. I want you to be happy. You deserve it. I love you."

"I love you too, Father. Come back well."

Z Z Z

After everyone had left, Diego sat down in the library, staring at the book Felipe had give him as a farewell gift without reading it. Victoria was already asleep and without Felipe and his father he suddenly felt lonely, missing their company. Nobody to play chess or argue with and no teenager to teach and oversee.

Diego put down his book, making a decision. He stepped to the mantelpiece and pressed the secret lever to step into the cave.

Felipe had left everything in order as well as he could in addition to his own packing. Toronado greeted Diego with a whinny.

"Now it's just the two of us, Toronado. What do you think about a nightly ride?" He grinned as Toronado neighed.

Quickly, Diego changed into his black outfit that hung on the rack before he tackled Toronado and mounted him. It was the first time since he'd been shot that he was riding out on Toronado again. When the excitement rushed through his veins, he knew he had missed it.

"We won't be long, Toronado, and stay out of view, but let's make the best out of it." Encouraging Toronado to a fast gallop, he raced across the country side, enjoying it tremendously. He decided not to tell Victoria about riding as Zorro again, as she wouldn't like it and would worry unnecessarily. As long as he stayed out of sight of the soldiers and didn't make his presence known, he'd be out of danger without raising any suspicions.

Z Z Z

After three weeks Victoria couldn't stand the enforced rest anymore. She felt well enough again and the doctor allowed her to leave bed, but she still had to rest some more hours each day.

With her regained energy Victoria was able to start taking care of the household now that Diego was managing the hacienda along with all the other tasks his father had handled in the past.

Z Z Z

As the new owner of the hacienda Diego felt obliged to invite the other caballeros to a dinner party and Victoria had assured him that she felt well enough to participate and that she would rest in advance during the day.

Z Z Z