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Chapter 3: Changing

After a restless night of nightmares, Diego decided a change of scenery would be helpful and rode into the pueblo with Bernardo. Both noticed the Indians, vendors and peons moving slower. There were some flowers and memorials stationed at different parts of the plaza with crosses, candles and rosary beads. Some of the children had tied little figures together that resembled their beloved hero and placed them around the memorials.

"News of Zorro's death has already spread," Diego said in a low voice.

They halted their horses in front of the posada then dismounted.

The cuartel gates opened and a crowd gathered as Capitan Morales exited on his horse, with a garrison of soldiers behind him.

"What happened to Zorro?" A voice in the crowd called.

"Is it true, that he is dead?"

"How did he die?"

"Do you know who killed him?"

The Capitan raised his hand to silence the volley of questions, "All I will say is that this matter will be concluded as quickly as possible."

"Who was he? Who was Zorro?"

"I am not at liberty to discuss Zorro's identity. Know that everything will be put right and Zorro will receive a proper burial," with that, the commandante spurred his horse and the soldiers followed behind him.

Diego exchanged a puzzled glance with his mute friend, "His answers didn't answer anything."

"Buenas dias, Don Diego," the caballero turned and saw the friendly priests approaching him.

"Buenas dias, Padre Felipe, Father Ernesto," he grinned.

Padre Felipe looked out among the remorseful citizens, "You heard our Commandante?"

Diego nodded, "Si."

"It is almost impossible to believe. El Zorro was a friend to the people," Padre Ernesto frowned.

Padre Felipe nodded slowly, "His death will be mourned and his life celebrated. My prayers go out to the outlaw," he adjusted his wide brimmed hat, "the Indians are praying for his spirit to be carried peacefully into the afterlife."

Diego was genuinely touched at how much the people loved the Fox. It always amazed him how much the people of Los Angeles were loyal to Zorro, he never felt he deserved such devotion. "He will be missed," was all Diego could say as he bid goodbye to the priests. He exchanged a bewildered look with Bernardo before tying up his horse.

Just as Bernardo opened the tavern door for his master, Diego saw the cuartel gates open again and the portly sergeant exiting. No doubt the sergeant was in charge while the Commandante was away and no doubt he was anticipating a free breakfast. This was one time that Diego was willing to buy the sergeant breakfast – for information.

Diego entered the tavern and saw only three occupants. He found a corner table and offered a seat to Bernardo who happily joined him. Maria, the morning waitress, was sniffling as she greeted the caballero, "Good morning, Don Diego. What can get for you?"

No doubt she was feeling the same way as everyone else. He remembered when Zorro had saved her from tumbling over a cliff. He stopped and shook his head. He was almost beginning to believe that Zorro was dead. He produced a smile and gave his order just as Garcia entered, "Sergeant Garcia," he grinned and gestured for him to join him. Bernardo quickly went to the bar with his drink.

The soldier plopped down next to his friend, "Good morning, Don Diego. Maria, bring a bottle," he ordered as Maria dropped off Diego's tea. Even Garcia seemed to be taking the outlaws death hard.

"You too, Sergeant?"

Garcia only nodded slowly, "I take it you heard the news that we found El Zorro dead yesterday."

Diego lit a cigar, "It is all the people are talking about."

Garcia sighed as he poured the wine given him, "I was shocked, and you know that I am shock-proof, Don Diego."

Diego suppressed a grin and leaned forward, "All I heard was that he was found in a river? Did you find out how he died?"

Garcia opened his mouth, but no words came out. He hesitantly closed it and shook his head, "No," he sighed, "I'm afraid I cannot release any information. Forgive me."

"What about his identity? Who was he?" Diego leaned even closer and spoke quietly.

Garcia bit his lip, obviously wanting to spill everything, but he took a sip to prevent himself, "All I can say is that I do not recognize him," he whispered then looked around to make sure he was not heard. He sighed, "I bet Senorita Verdugo is taking it pretty hard. You know the two of them had – well, they were close up in Monterey."

"I heard," Diego nodded; not needing to be reminded.

Diego tried a couple more tactful questions to see if the sergeant would slip, but to his chagrin, the fat sergeant was keeping a tight lip about the whole thing. He frowned, he must be slipping. Usually one mug of wine was all it took to get information. He gave up and listened to the officer as he told stories of how he used to chase the outlaw and how he would have caught him. Garcia then gave an excuse as to why he was not successful. After they had finished, Garcia thanked his friend for breakfast and excused himself, leaving Diego no more the wiser. Bernardo caught his master's eyes and Diego shrugged. Bernardo then motioned he was leaving and exited the tavern, leaving Diego deep in thought. He took a sip of his tea and stared blankly off to the side.

"Is this seat taken?"

He looked up and instantly smiled, "Anna Maria," he stood as he gestured for her to join him.

The same faint dark circles underlined her eyes. She was obviously fatigued, "I want to apologize again Diego for my sour mood last night."

Diego lifted his hand, "I will not allow you to apologize."

"My father and I did enjoy ourselves and would love to visit again under better circumstances."

"Anytime you are welcome," he grinned.

Anna Maria grinned, his smile was infectious and his pleasant demeanor was comforting. She took his hand that was on the table, "Maybe you could show me the gardens next time? I understand you have beautiful azaleas."

Maria approached and Anna Maria ordered some tea. They were reduced to silence. He glanced long enough at his companion to realize she was in no mood for conversation but she did not seem to want to be left alone. So he reasoned that she just needed company. He gave her hand a squeeze before taking a sip and leaning back in his chair as he exhaled a puff of smoke. Surprisingly, their silence was not uncomfortable. Diego was actually enjoying just sitting with her and being there for her.

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Inside the Commandante's office, Garcia watched his superior walk back and forth. Capitan Morales had the body taken to Doctor Avilla's quarters for a further investigation the previous night and to make burial preparations. He had returned after his short venture out of the pueblo and now roamed freely in his office.

"Why would Zorro have such a note on his person?" Morales asked aloud.

Garcia shrugged, "Could he have been taking the note to someone else?"

Morales shook his head, "No," he read the note aloud, "Why would he have this in his pocket? Who is it directed to?"

"Maybe he was playing a game with someone," Garcia giggled.

The leader stopped and turned, "You know, Sergeant, in a situation like this, you are absolutely useless."

Garcia lowered his head, "I'm sorry, mi capitan."

Morales waved, "No. I apologize. I get irritable when there is an unsolvable puzzle; especially when it involves a life."

"What do you suggest we do with the body?"

"When Doctor Avilla has finished his investigation, we can bury him," Morales harrumphed as he sat behind his desk. He tossed the mysterious note on a stack of papers.

Garcia took the silence as a sign to dismiss himself. He carefully stood, "With your permission, Commandante. I will finish the lancer's drills," he saluted and left.

Morales leaned forward on the table. Little did he know, their conversation had been over heard. Just behind the door to his living quarters, a certain known deaf-mute was listening to the puzzling conversation.

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Diego and Don Alejandro were sitting on the patio playing a game of chess. Diego sat back with a devious grin upon finishing an advance move. He sipped the red liquid in his glass. "I believe it is your move, Father," the patio door opened and both dons turned to see the little manservant rush over to the table.

"There you are, mi amigo. When I could not find you, I thought you went home without me."

Bernardo held his hand up to his ear and signed a 'Z'.

"You heard something about Zorro?" Alejandro asked.

Bernardo nodded. He drew a sash across his chest, saluted, then traced facial hair over his chin.

"Capitan Morales spoke about Zorro?" Diego leaned forward.

Bernardo then signed the 'Z' and held up two fingers. He then crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes. He then kept his eyes closed as he pretended to reach into his pocket and pull out a piece of paper.

"The Zorro had a note in his pocket? What did it say?" Diego was completely intrigued.

Bernardo frowned and shrugged.

"You don't know?" Diego sighed as his servant shook his head.

Bernardo then traced the sash again and saluted then trembled his hands.

"The note made Capitan Morales nervous?" Diego tugged on his ear in thought, "Well, good job, Bernardo."

"It appears this second Zorro holds more of a mystery than just his identity," Alejandro leaned against his arms on the table.

Bernardo made the 'Z' sign and his expression brightened.

Diego shook his head, "No, not yet. It's too soon to bring back the real Zorro. We'll wait and see what the Capitan does."

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In the late morning Diego went for a ride. On top of his Palomino, Dante, his morbid thoughts vanished and his mind was somewhat peaceful. The sensation of the wind whipping across his face miraculously enlightened him. His adrenaline rushed wildly as Dante approached a rock formation and flew over the obstacle with ease. Diego laughed out loud as he felt the horse's muscles ignite with excitement and run faster.

The sun grew hot and Diego cooled off by a small creek that ran through the de la Vega land. Dante chewed some grass and nodded vigorously in approval; of what, Diego did not know, but it made him happy to see the horse enjoying himself. Diego sat next to a tree and dipped his hand in the water and rubbed his neck and forehead. He clucked and patted the horse on the leg as the animal stepped next to him and drank the cool water.

Thoughts of the last few day's events crept into his mind. His memories were merciless as they replayed previous horrific visions he had had in his sleep. He shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. The memories were replaced with guilt. Did this poor soul need the Fox for a crisis and decide to handle his dire situation himself? This man obviously was not from around here but knew of Zorro, according to Sergeant Garcia. Zorro had made appearances in the surrounding vicinities. Diego wondered if he had met this man before. Diego felt he had let this man down for not being there for him. He did not know what to do. Capitan Morales was an intelligent man and Diego knew that the case would be handled thusly. But this was personal for him. Someone was dead because he was dressed up like Zorro. He wanted to do something about it, but he did not know what he could do as Diego. He growled in frustration and gave up on trying to have peace of mind.

He approached the grazing animal and patted its rump as he rounded to its left side. He mounted and spurred the horse to once again race back toward the hacienda. As his home came into view, he pulled on the reins till they were leisurely walking. It was time to cool down.

Diego went behind the hacienda to the stables and was greeted by his caporal, "Good afternoon, Benito. Take care of him, por favor."

"Si, Don Diego," the ranch hand nodded.

"Make sure he gets plenty of water and a good rub down," Diego wiped the sweat from his brow, "I think I better do the same, eh," he chuckled as he left the stables.

He entered through the kitchen and Cresencia and Amelia were hard at work. Large portions of beans and rice were cooking and they were stuffing tamales shells. He wondered why they were preparing a feast but his thoughts were quickly dismissed when the older woman laughed at the sight of him. "Oh, Don Diego, you have been out in the sun today."

"Is it really that bad?" He answered his own question when he turned and felt his shirt sticking to his back. "I best go freshen up. Dinner smells great," Diego crossed the sala to the patio.

"Oh, there you are, my son," Alejandro stood from the couch, "I have been worried."

"I am sorry father, I went for a ride and lost track of the time."

Alejandro looked at the grandfather clock, "Well, I hope you can make yourself presentable soon. I invited Don Gregorio and Anna Maria for dinner, his business appointment was postponed until next week. They will be staying in Los Angeles until then."

Diego's eyes widened with panic, "When will they be arriving?"

"Within the hour."

Diego hurried outside and as Bernardo was coming down the stairs, Diego dragged him back up, "I need a bath and fast."

Anna Maria, her father and Alejandro were all sitting down at the table. Cresencia served the tamales and beans and rice as Bernardo poured the wine.

"I apologize for my son's tardiness," Alejandro chuckled, "he should be down shortly."

Right on cue, Diego entered the sala dressed in a dark blue suit with silver embroidered lapels, a white ruffled shirt and a black cravat and waist sash. He flashed a grin, smoothing back his hair, as he hastily joined the party, "Pardon my lateness."

Gregorio grinned, "Not to worry, you did not have to make me wait in front of these delicious smelling tamales for too long."

Diego flashed a grinned at Anna Maria who seemed in better spirits and returned a radiant grin. That was all that needed to be exchanged between the two. He rather enjoyed that they had grown to a point where nothing needed to be said.

When everyone had finished, Cresencia and Amelia brought out cinnamon and sugared churros and cleared the dishes.

"You have outdone yourself, Cresencia," Gregorio complimented, taking a bite of the sugary goodness.

"Gracias, Senor," she curtsied then disappeared into the kitchen.

"So you have a pure bred cattle that you are selling," Alejandro tsked,

"The offspring, Alejandro. I was thinking of selling it at an auction, but found a private buyer who wants to discuss the sale, papers, bloodline, etc."

Alejandro had glanced at Diego who had finished his dessert, then turned to Anna Maria who was sipping her glass. He felt they needed a little nudge in the right direction, "Gregorio, why don't we have our Madeira in the library over a game of chess. I have a handcrafted cigar with your name on it."

Gregorio stood, his eyes lit, "You don't have to tell me twice."

Alejandro spied Diego looking at him and he pointedly looked at Anna Maria then the patio. He grinned mischievously before disappearing into the library.

Diego shook his head at his father's scheme, "Would you like to move to the patio, Anna Maria? It is quite a cool tonight."

"Gracias, Diego. I would like that very much."

Diego helped her with her chair then led her outside. They sat on the decorative chairs under the large willow tree that furnished the patio. The night air was crisp and the stars were bright.

Anna Maria clasped her hands together, quite chipper, "Now, you must tell me what you have been doing all this time since my absence. Who do you have to argue with?" she leaned forward.

He grinned, a sparkle in his eye, "No one could surpass you. There is nothing really to tell. Los Angeles is a peaceful city now. I help my father with the family trade."

Anna Maria shook her head and spoke in a playfully disappointed tone, "I'm surprised. Is there not a certain senorita in your life? Are you a confirmed bachelor?"

He chuckled, "To tell you the truth I haven't thought of it that much."

Anna Maria put her hands on her hips, "Well, the senoritas in Los Angeles must be blind not to have made any advance for your affections."

"I am not their type," he quickly turned the subject around, "Tell me about you. I am sure you have a more exciting life than I."

She leaned back in her chair, "I spent a few months in Cadiz with my father. Life is so much different there. I will admit, I was humbled by the whole experience," she grinned, a little embarrassed.

"Hopefully there is a tale to tell in that last remark," he lit his cigar.

She shook her head, "Only my pride was humbled," she huffed as she explained, "I thought that meeting the courtiers, the regalities, and nobilities would be one the most exciting experiences in my life. You could imagine my shock when I was almost sickened by them."

"What do you mean?"

"They were full of themselves: haughty, proud. They are so close to the problems of Spain, yet are too blind to see them. They are far more concerned for their fashion and cosmetics and the social gossip. Who cares about the war and how to stop it," she tossed up a hand, "No wonder nothing is resolved," she laughed, "To think I once held the same things in high regard."

"They are not all bad," he laughed a hefty laugh.

She shook her head with a grin, "No, but it opened my eyes to more important things: family and friends and the future of California. I returned eight months ago ready to take on the world and found Monterey to be dull. My father had been on another business trip in San Pedro. When he returned I begged him to take me with him on his next trip. We went to San Diego then came here."

Diego almost mimicked her, "I'm surprised. Is there not a certain young man in your life?"

Her laugh rang out like bells, "There was one. I thought we shared the same ideals, but he preferred my family's large estate over me. I quickly dismissed him."

"What about Ricardo? Has he given a second shot at your affections?"

Anna Maria giggled and shook her head, "He has not tried after our last embarrassing departure. We have crossed paths when he comes into town on his father's business, but he has yet to propose marriage," she stared at him for a moment, then got quiet, "Ricardo has not changed. Always the practical joker, but you – there is something different about you. I do not know what – something missing or added perhaps. You've changed."

"I hope it is not bad."

"No. Just different," her voice was soft yet sincere. "I guess time can change some people."

Diego did not tell her that she was right. There was something missing – himself. Diego looked into her eyes and could tell that she had changed as well. She seemed more of a woman than before. Maybe her travels had refined her. She had matured but still had that Verdugo spirit.

"You mentioned Los Angeles as being a peaceful city now. I am almost envious"

"We still have the occasional bandidos, but they are soon caught and tried by a fair and honorable judge. Nothing makes me happier than to see the people governed well. Capitan Morales is – he's a good man."

Anna Maria lowered her head and spoke quietly, "I heard – he has not been seen in almost two years."

Diego nodded slowly, "Si," knowing who she was talking about, "I suppose there has been no need for him."

"Now, with him dead," her eyes glazed, Anna Maria shook her head, "I am sorry. I wont carry on about him. That was rude of me. I am here with you, and want to talk to you about you – about anything you want."

Diego was surprised. She had changed. Every senorita was enthralled with Zorro and now she was interested in hearing about Diego. He wanted to tell her about him – the true him, but he knew he could not. It broke his heart. One consolation was that they had become closer as friends and he cherished it.

Anna Maria watched as he inclined his head and took a long drawl from his cigar. She shook her head with a grin, obviously something had spurred his mind. She leaned forward, "Well, are you going to ask me?"

"Ask you what?"

"Ask me to the Autumn Festival next Wednesday? I hear it is going to be superb."

"Oh," Diego flashed a dashing grin and leaned in placing a hand on hers, "Anna Maria, would you do me the honor of going to the Autumn festival with me?"

Anna Maria's nose wrinkled as she giggled, "Of course. I thought you'd never ask."

The rest of their evening was a pleasant one. She did most of the talking and he listened intently as she carried on about dreams she wished to accomplish, music she had composed, sketches she had drawn and a few books that peeked her interest. It was a very pleasant evening.

After the Verdugo's left for the evening, Alejandro grinned ear to ear at Diego.

"Oh, Father. Wipe that grin off your face," Diego warned.

"How do you know what I'm thinking?"

"Because that's the same look you get on your face every time a senorita becomes available."

"Well, she is beautiful, intelligent, comes from a good family," he became a little solemn, "I know I prevented you from marrying her before, but Zorro is no longer needed. A wife might be just the thing you need. I see the way you look at her, how you jump at the sound of her name. I would love to see some grandchildren in this house."

"Whoa, Father. Slow down. Anna Maria is not in love with me. She only thinks of me as a good friend."

"Who knows, love can hit someone when they least expect it. It is good to see you happy again. Good night, my Son," he patted Diego on the shoulder then went to his room.

Diego stood in the patio for a moment, thinking. He looked up and saw Bernardo standing across from him, giving him a sly grin just like the elder don. "Not you too," Diego shook his head then headed to his bedroom. Bernardo followed him and shut the door behind him. "You agree with my father, eh?"

Bernardo nodded.

Diego began to undress, "I don't think she can look past our friendship."

Bernardo shook his head and shrugged.

"I know, love can hit you when you least expect it," Diego thought, "She has changed though. Maybe her feelings have changed too."