Fears and Concerns

Diego strode through to the library where Ignacio was waiting nervously for his wife to reappear with her meagre possessions.

"Are you going to goad me again, Diego? I really am exhausted from all this turmoil," Ignacio said softly. "I prefer it if the teasing stopped for a while."

"I was going to ask about that man…. Almagro? You said he was after Gushing Stream?"

"He's a windbag, Diego. If he was a violent man he would have at least threatened me personally."

"He is going after your wife, I'd consider that a personal threat."

"So now you are telling me I should have responded to him." Ignacio felt a little exasperated. Could he do nothing right in the man's eyes?

"No," Diego said thoughtfully. "We don't know the man. He could be just talk, and nothing else. He could also be a dangerous threat."

"Should I ask Gushing Stream about him?"

"It wouldn't do to frighten her. She is shaky already, and this baby is probably arriving any day. You would be welcome to stay together in the hacienda."

"I think you shouldn't offer invitations without your father's permission, especially where I am concerned, Diego."

Diego nodded with a sigh. Alejandro hadn't even begun to warm to him in any way. It was good that the man was away in Monterey on business. The elder de la Vega would never be completely calm in Ignacio's presence.

"I am worried. The man looked dangerous. He acted under control, but the words I heard in the Tavern were nasty," Diego murmured. "Don't mention it to your wife. She doesn't need any more strain."

"What do you think we should do?"

"I will keep a scout around the district, but concentrate on the local area surrounding our estates, starting right now. This time you may get your guardian angel."

"Don't leave it too late, Zorro. I'd rather not have to be avenged."

Diego smiled, and stood taller, and Ignacio saw him transform just a little as he watched. Zorro stood before him minus his cape and mask. Diego's studious manner was gone, and his ally was standing before him.

"I'll try my best."

"We're ready, Diego," Victoria called, and the spell was broken. Diego stood there once more, with his serious frown for Ignacio and his bright smile for his wife. A workman carried Gushing Stream's middle sized bag, and the gentlemen escorted their ladies outside.

Ignacio helped his wife into the buggy and turned to shake hands with his host.

"Diego, I don't know quite what happened here today, but I think I need to thank you."

"Ignacio, I believe that you have great potential," Diego said. "I think you made the best decision, don't second guess yourself. Stay away from as many people as you can for a while. Just relax with your wife for a few days. I am buying new cattle next week myself, and I will show you the ropes."

"Thank you," Ignacio said, wondering why the man sought to encourage him.

Ignacio climbed into the driver's seat and took the reins.

"Be careful," Diego cautioned, making sure that the ladies couldn't hear him. "I'll be watching your back, but any physical violence needs to be dealt with, regardless. That includes this Almagro or you. Zorro is back on full duty."

"Of course."

Ignacio glanced at the other man, who stood tall but with concern in his blue eyes. If Zorro was worried, he was too.

Zzz

The sun shone down brightly, and the horse was well behaved for Ignacio. He prided himself on his horsemanship skills, but the truth was it all depended on the horse.

"Look at the flowers, Ignacio!" Gushing Stream exclaimed as they followed the road, getting nearer to their actual hacienda. He wondered whether it rivalled the de la Vegas for size and comfort.

"Yes, very nice," he said, glancing at the pink flowers blossoming beside the road. "We could grow a garden of them around the hacienda if you like." He would prefer it if she didn't become engrossed in hanging geraniums like Diego seemed to be. He had narrowly missed knocking his head against pots several times in his short stay at the house.

"Ignacio. I was very proud of you with Diego in the yard. You were so very controlled."

Ignacio smiled to himself. She hadn't seen the initial reaction then, when the sword had been at Diego's throat, and he was pleased. "I am trying. You know about the test beforehand?"

"Yes," she said. He could imagine her blush, and knew she was embarrassed without turning around.

"I needed to wake up to myself. I am a very angry man, Gushing Stream. For most of my life, I have had to survive using anger to sustain me. It's hard to give it up."

"I'm sorry."

"Sorry?"

"I shouldn't try to force you to do as I wish. If it is difficult, I should help you. I am your wife. I should help you, even if I am afraid."

He knew that was one of the reasons he loved her so much. She did have courage under fire if necessary. It just hurt her to be so frightened, and she was so vulnerable. Pregnant women always seemed to be such mysteries, and husbands were right to shelter them from the harsh realities of the world around them, especially close to when the baby was due.

"If you are afraid to be around me, you should say so," he said. "I want you to feel safe. I want you to be happy. I don't hurt people for fun," he said, lying a little. "It's to keep you safe and happy."

"I wasn't afraid of you, Ignacio. I knew that you wouldn't hurt me," she said in a voice that soothed and quietened his soul.

"I know," he murmured, a little relieved all the same.

The buggy gave a little strange shudder, almost unnoticeable. Something wasn't right, he realised. It should be stable enough- he'd had it in for repairs several days ago. The carriage had all been checked.

"What was that?" Gushing Stream asked, a little alarmed.

Ignacio scanned the wheels briefly and then more thoroughly, glancing under the body of the carriage from his seat – leaving the horse to its own devices for a few moments. One of the large wheels was wobbling, and he frowned.

A sharp retort of a pistol went off close by. Without his firm hand on the reins, the horse panicked and bolted.

As Ignacio struggled to soothe the horse, and calm the situation, he noticed the wheel at the corner of his eye. It was wobbling out of control. There was a snap. The axle had snapped, he reasoned, realising in that moment that there was no saving them from a serious high speed accident. He dove towards his wife, seeking to shield her from a hard impact, completely abandoning the reins. Landing next to her, he gathered her into his arms.

The buggy lurched and tipped, and he braced himself, shielding her from the ground as best he could. He felt the rush of adrenalin as the world spun out of control, and then there was darkness.