Thanks for the lovely and kind reviews and messages! I love seeing the notification! Wanted to give a heads up, Anna Maria has grown a bit from the WD series. I have often read comments on how people like her but find her immature and annoying. She is not that way in my story as she even admits to having grown in chapter 3….With that here is chapter 2!
Chapter 2 El Zorro Muerta
Anna Maria felt weak. Her legs buckled and her father caught her arm, "It – can't – it can't be possible. Zorro cannot be dead," her voice was barely audible.
"Come, let us get out of the hot sun," Gregorio turned to the officers, "If you should need us any further, you can find us at the Inn."
"Gracias, Senor. We will get ahold of you," Capitan Morales nodded and watched as the elder gentleman escorted his daughter across the pueblo. Obviously, the senorita felt the same about this Zorro as every other senorita in California. He then turned to the Sergeant, "Have my horse saddled," he turned to the soldiers on horseback, "Where did you see him?"
"In the river up by the Castil Rancho."
"You will show me where you found him," he then turned to the other lancers, "Two more bring a wagon so we can bring the body back."
Within a half hour, they were standing over the body donned in black attire lying on the riverbank, "How did you find him before you pulled him out?"
Private Sanchez explained, "He was face down in the water."
The Commandante looked around with his hands on his hips, "Where is his horse? Any signs of the stallion?"
The two privates shook their heads.
"Do you find it odd his horse is not around? It was very loyal companion to him. Very strange," the Commandante became lost in thought.
"We didn't see his horse anywhere," Private Hernandez furthered.
Sergeant Garcia shook his head, "The Fox has escaped death so many times, never thought I'd see him go this way," he turned to his superior, "does the Capitan want us to gather the body and take it back to the cuartel?"
The Commandante was deep in thought, staring intensely at the body. There were no signs of a struggle. Could he possibly have fallen and hit his head on a rock and drown? No, Zorro was known for his grace and light-of-foot. There were no signs of gravel or dirt disrupted to conclude slipping and falling. He could not see any obvious signs of death, of course, most of the body was covered in black. What was Zorro doing around these parts? And why had he shown up after being gone for two years?
"Capitan?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes, Sergeant. Take him into my office. Cover him so not to draw a crowd," he turned to Corporal Reyes who was still wide-eyed and white as a sheet, "Corporal. Corporal Reyes."
"Si, mi Commandante?" the little soldier's voice was shaky.
"Fetch Doctor Avilla. Have him come to my quarters."
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Diego went to his room to change clothes. The ride back was hot and dusty, he wanted to wash up for this evenings guests. He was almost nervous. Why was he so nervous? He had stared death in the face many times, but yet the presence of one senorita caused his heart to flutter. He actually did not know what to wear. Most of the time his indecisiveness was an act, but this time, he was completely distraught. Nothing seemed to merit his approval.
Diego happened to glance to his side and saw Bernardo's face red and beaming a foolish grin. "Don't start with me, Bernardo."
Bernardo's eyes widened and he feigned innocence.
"What do you think?" Diego held up an outfit and Bernardo made a disapproving face. "This is ridiculous," he tossed the suit on his bed and looked in the closet for another.
Bernardo turned to the pile of clothes on the bed and suddenly felt sorry for himself. He knew he would have the task of rehanging all of them.
As seven o'clock came, the table in the sala was set with four place settings and a bottle of Madeira was poured. Diego practically flew down the stairs when he heard a carriage ride up. He stopped at the bottom and smoothed his hair and adjusted his jacket as the patio door opened and the Verdugos entered.
Alejandro exited the hacienda, beaming a smile as he embraced his friend, "Gregorio! It is good to see you!"
Gregorio shook the elder de la Vega's hand vigorously, "It has been too long, my friend!"
Alejandro turned to Anna Maria, "You are as lovely as ever, Anna Maria," he took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze.
"Gracias, Alejandro," she grinned politely.
Diego had noticed her eyes were slightly red and puffy. Had she been crying?
They entered the well-lit sala and Anna Maria was the first to sit at the table before the gentlemen followed. Diego could see that she was in distress and was quiet as the two elder dons made comments on the de la Vega architecture and furnishings.
Cresencia and Amelia came in with two platters and displayed their dinner.
As the evening continued, Diego was beginning to feel that Anna Maria's silent demeanor meant that she did not want to be there and he felt silly for having fussed so much over the right outfit. Bernardo had noticed her quiet behavior as well and exchanged a concerned look with Diego.
"….My Son told me of a letter you wrote me. I never received a letter," Alejandro stated as he took a bite.
"It's contents merely informed that I would be in Los Angeles on business and that I would like to visit my old friend while awaiting the arrival of my business associate."
Diego and Anna Maria ate quietly while the elder dons hashed out old memories and funny stories.
Alejandro had glanced at Diego who was picking at his food. He turned to Anna Maria who was doing the same and his inquisitive nature got the better of him, "Is there something wrong?"
Anna Maria sniffed quietly then shook her head, "No, Alejandro, the dinner is delicious."
"I would believe that if you had eaten any of it," Alejandro replied with concern.
Gregorio came to her rescue and squeezed her hand, "It has not been the most pleasant of afternoons. We heard some troubling news in the pueblo, just after you left, Diego."
Diego leaned forward, "I am sorry. Is everything all right?"
Gregorio furthered, "Apparently some of the lancers found the body of El Zorro today. Such a shame. He saved my life. I owe him much."
Diego, Bernardo and Alejandro exchanged shocked glances.
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Inside the Commandante's office, the body of the masked vigilante was lying on a make-shift cot in the middle of the room. Capitan Morales was leaning against his desk, his arms crossed over his chest, as he studied the lifeless body. He had an eerie feeling about this. The man was always a mystery and his death was just as puzzling.
There was a knock on the door, "Enter," he called and Garcia ushered in the elder physician, "Doctor Avilla," he shook the doctor's hand and gestured to the body, "this is a very sensitive matter."
Doctor Avilla stood for a moment staring down at the body, "It is true. I almost couldn't believe it," he sighed sadly as he stepped toward the body to begin an investigation. He removed the sombrero, "In the government's eyes, I know he was an outlaw, but to the people, he was a hero. He will be missed."
Garcia and Morales looked over the physician's shoulders as the medical examiner hesitantly removed the mask.
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"Where did they say they found Zorro?" Diego questioned.
The housekeepers were tactfully listening to the tragic news as they were clearing the dishes and Bernardo poured more wine for everyone.
Gregorio shook his head, "I do not know any more. Anna Maria took it pretty hard. Later, I had glanced out my window, when I heard voices outside. The pueblo had crowded to witness a wagon transported into the cuartel. I believe the Commandante had retrieved – the body."
Anna Maria forced a smile and tried to change the subject, "Don Alejandro, your hacienda lives up to its reputation. I have never seen such a lovely home. I do want to thank you both for your generous hospitality."
All three men took the hint and decided to change the subject. The elder dons chatted lightly as they lit their cigars and went out to the patio as Diego stayed with Anna Maria in the sala. He offered her a spot on the couch. Bernardo and Diego exchanged a glance before he left them alone.
"I am sorry for my mood, Diego. I wish we had reunited under better circumstances."
Diego shook his head as he sipped on the Madeira, "Do not apologize. I am as awestruck as you."
Her voice was a whisper as she tried to compose herself, "I owed him so much. He saved my father's life, my life – we – I understand he also has saved you on occasion."
Diego only nodded.
Anna Maria dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief. She stood suddenly, "Diego, forgive me, I am in poor spirits."
He followed her as she quickly entered the patio, "Father, I do not feel well. Can we please return to the Inn?"
Gregorio nodded as he took her hands in his, "Of course, my dear," he turned to his hosts, "You will forgive our abrupt exit."
Alejandro waved a hand, "We will get together again before you leave for Monterey," he guided them to the patio door.
Anna Maria turned to Diego, "I will see you soon?"
Diego nodded and grinned, "Take care, Anna Maria. Good night."
Alejandro shut the door behind their guests, then turned abruptly, "All right, what on earth is going on?"
Diego shook his head, "I do not know. Los Angeles is at peace. What reason would someone have to impersonate Zorro?" He ran his fingers through his hair, guilt tickling his conscious, "He might have died because the killer thought him me."
"Don't jump to conclusions, Diego," Alejandro put a comforting hand on his son's shoulder, though his tone hinted concern. "We shall find out soon enough."
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Capitan Morales, Sergeant Garcia and Doctor Avilla blinked a couple of times.
"Is it just me, or do you not recognize him either?" The plump officer asked.
"I do not recognize him. What about you? Is he a patient?"
Avilla shook his head, "No, I do not think he is from around here," he unbuttoned the man's shirt and stopped, "Well we have a cause of death. See here is a small puncture wound," he gestured to the lower abdomen of the dead man.
"Looks like he was stabbed by a rapier," Capitan Morales spoke, "Can you tell how long he has been dead, Doctor?"
"It's difficult to give an exact time, but I would estimate not long. He is showing signs of rigamortis, but there is no water deformity and the buzzards have not touched him."
Sergeant Garcia almost turned green.
"This was a clear well-place stab. The killer knows the anatomy. This man died within seconds, very little blood loss," Doctor Avilla deduced.
Capitan Morales placed his hands on his hips, "All right, so he was definitely murdered. Which means there is a killer out there who's going to be difficult to find, he had many enemies. Gentlemen, I strongly recommend that this be kept the details between the three of us," he turned to his subordinate, "do you understand, Sergeant?"
Garcia nodded emphatically.
"Do not even tell the lancers, they have their way of spreading it around. I am the only one who will divulge information to the public, but it will be on a need to know basis. Meanwhile, we will start an investigation to the identity of the victim and hopefully it will lead to the killer."
"Capitan," Avilla spotted something in the side pocket of the lifeless body. "What do you suppose that is?"
Morales carefully pulled out a folded piece of paper. He unfolded the parchment and all three gather together to read the eerie writing:
Come out, come out, wherever you are.