Disclaimer: No copyright infringement meant with story. Characters owned by ZPI, not by me. I just want to borrow them for a while and make up new stories. Since they weren't able to stay with us as long as we would've liked them to when they were on television.
AN: I am so very sorry for the length of time it took to get this out. My muse has just been so stubborn, and then she ran and hid. Sigh. Thank you for all the reviews, follows and favs for the last chapter. This story certainly has taken a few twists and turns that I never expected. It's certainly not what I expected when I first started it. Ha.
Previously:
"But Alcalde, why do you still think Diego is Zorro? You know Alvarez and Lopez, as well as the other soldiers, saw Zorro ride last night."
As the color in the Alcalde's face changed to a dusky red, Mendoza took a step back. I might have made a mistake in saying that. The Alcalde doesn't look good; he looks like he's going to explode.
The Alcalde visibly swallowed, then said in a strangely controlled voice. "Mendoza, we will not discuss this any further. We will now go to the stables. Excuse us, Don Alejandro, Senorita Victoria."
Alejandro looked after the men as they left. "That figures. I believe I should follow them and give the Alcalde a piece of my mind."
Before either Victoria or Felipe could stop him, Alejandro left the hacienda. Felipe caught Victoria's eye and shrugged. Victoria smiled. "I don't think we have anything to worry about."
Mendoza reentered the room. "I left the Alcalde arguing with Don Alejandro out there. I just don't know what to do with that man. I try to be a good soldier, but how am I to follow such a man? To try to push Don Diego as Zorro just to protect his pride, it might just be the last straw." He sat down on an armchair beside the fireplace and looked up at Victoria. "I wonder if I can take early retirement. If there was such a thing in the Spanish army."
The group heard the door of the hacienda open and the angry voices of Don Alejandro and the Alcalde. Mendoza rose hurriedly from the chair and took a few steps. However, because of his rush, Mendoza's foot caught the edge of the rug and he lost his balance.
Felipe watched in horror as Mendoza tripped and fell toward the fireplace. As he attempted to regain his balance, Mendoza's fingers unwittingly hit the lever to the secret passage before Felipe could prevent it. Mendoza looked up from his fallen position on his hands and knees and watched in amazement as the fireplace gave way to the hidden passageway. He then watched as Felipe as quickly leaped and hit the lever again. The door closed as the Alcalde and Don Alejandro entered the library.
Felipe turned to Mendoza, a silent appeal in his eyes. Mendoza, for once in his life, processed all he had just seen for what it was and quickly made a decision. He quickly stood up and attempted to look normal.
The Alcalde stopped in the middle of his argument with Don Alejandro and observed Mendoza with a strange look on his face. "What is wrong with you, Mendoza?"
"Nothing, Alcalde," Mendoza managed to say, but with a slight stammer.
Ramon looked at Mendoza, studying him intensely. "Are you sure, Mendoza? You appear out of sorts. Why?"
Attempting to think quickly, Mendoza could only think of his old stand-by. "I'm sorry, Alcalde. I'm just very hungry. I...I didn't eat much for breakfast this morning."
The Alcalde looked at Mendoza in disgust. He shook his head, turned back to Alejandro and said, "Well, I guess we're done here. For now."
"I trust I can go to the pueblo and pick up my son, Alcalde?"
The Alcalde's lips curled downwards in disgust momentarily, then a fake smile appeared. "Since I haven't been able to find any other evidence at this time, Don Diego will be released into your custody. For now." Ramon turned smartly towards the door and left the room, militarily straight.
Alejandro opened his mouth to make a retort, caught Victoria's eye, and changed his mind and permitted the Alcalde to leave unhindered. Instead, he said, "Felipe, can you go to the stable and have the carriage hooked up? I'm sure you and Victoria wish to accompany me into the pueblo."
"Of course, Don Alejandro," Victoria said with a smile. "But first, I would like to suggest you have a little gathering tonight to celebrate Don Diego's homecoming. Perhaps you would like to invite Mendoza as well."
Both Mendoza and Alejandro gave Victoria puzzled glances. Felipe, understanding what Victoria was attempting to do, nodded vigorously. He then signed slowly, "Diego would appreciate having his friends around him tonight."
Alejandro shrugged his shoulders and said, "Only if you will return with us as well, Victoria."
"Yes, I can. I'll return to the pueblo with you and check on the tavern, and then I can join you for supper tonight."
~~ZZ~ZZ~ZZ~ZZ~
Mendoza wasn't certain what it all meant. He had heard of secret rooms in haciendas before, but had never seen one. He didn't see the problem with one in the de la Vega hacienda, but all he knew was that his young friend Felipe had looked at him with such appeal and helplessness, he instinctively knew something wasn't right. And something which should remain hidden from the Alcalde. So, that's why he didn't tell the Alcalde about finding the room.
Not only did Mendoza consider Felipe a friend, he almost considered him like a younger brother. And Don Diego? Mendoza didn't have many friends in the pueblo, much less family. Until this moment, he had never realized it, but he considered Don Diego, Felipe and Señorita Victoria his family. More or less. As such, he would do anything to protect them.
Mendoza wasn't known to pick up on the more subtle happenings as they occurred, but he somehow had the feeling the de la Vegas had something to share with him. Thus the reason for the so-called dinner party to celebrate Don Diego's rescue and homecoming. All he knew was it'll certainly be an interesting evening.
Mendoza rushed outside to catch up to the Alcalde. He shuffled over to where his fellow soldiers were waiting beside their horses. As The Alcalde got on his horse, the rest of the soldiers did as well. Mendoza hurried over to his horse and mounted his as everyone else began to ride away. As he attempted to catch up with them, Mendoza shook his head and gave out a tired sigh.
~~ZZ~ZZ~ZZ~ZZ~
Diego had spent a restless morning in the Alcalde's jail. He still couldn't believe how the situation had changed. It was almost farcical how, if this was how Zorro's career ended, it would be through the most flimsiest of circumstantial evidence.
Suddenly he heard voices, one of which was his father's. Looking up, he saw Alejandro enter with the Alcalde.
"Great news, Diego. You have been exonerated."
"I have?" Diego quickly covered up the possible faux pas. "Of course I have. What exactly has convinced the Alcalde I'm not Zorro?"
"Zorro was seen last night by two soldiers on patrol. Of course. The thought of you, Diego, as Zorro, how ridiculous."
Diego's lips curled in a sneer. "Of course, Father." Again, my secret identity is safe. Good for me. Mainly because no one believes I'm the great Zorro. Then another thought crossed his mind. Gracias a Dios for Felipe and his quick thinking. Lucky for me Toronado let Felipe ride him again.
As soon as he was let out of the cell, he was enveloped in the strong embrace of his father. However, it was a short hug, for his father pulled back to give him an inquisitive look up and down his body.
"How are you really, Diego? The Alcalde denied you were hurt by the kidnapers, but I wasn't sure."
Diego said, "Nothing too bad, Father. Mainly some bumps and bruises. It was quite the experience, however."
They walked out of the jail towards the carriage, where Felipe was waiting, who rushed into Diego's arms. They exchanged a hug. Felipe then attempted to communicate something to Diego, which he wasn't certain he understood. Diego sent him a questioning look, but Felipe shook his head slightly.
Under the cover of Alejandro climbing into the buggy, Felipe signed, "We have a lot to discuss later." Diego found the serious look in Felipe's eyes to be disturbing. He signed in frustration; he will have to patiently endure the wait until he could find out what had gotten Felipe so disturbed.
~~ZZ~ZZ~ZZ~ZZ~
On the way home, Diego updated his family about his experience with the bandits with an edited version of events. As usual, Felipe would hear the entire story later.
As they pulled up to the pueblo, Alejandro stated, "Oh, Diego, just to let you know, we have a little surprise for you. To celebrate surviving your little ordeal, we thought a little supper party would be just the thing to do. So Mendoza and Victoria will be coming for supper tonight."
Diego exchanged glances with Felipe, who gave him a little encouraging smile. He wasn't surprised about Victoria, since she knew his secret, but Mendoza? Felipe gave him a small nod, to indicate he should ask, so he did. "Father, why Mendoza?"
"It was Victoria's idea. She thought it would make it a little more like a party, having several of your friends here. Just like why Victoria will be here as well. "
Interesting. Diego wondered if Mendoza had anything to do with what Felipe hadn't been able to tell him yet. He tamped down the impatience he began to feel, and adopted his usual 'Diego' swagger as he walked into the hacienda.
~~ZZ~ZZ~ZZ~ZZ~~
As soon as they made their excuses, Diego and Felipe slipped into the library. Diego could barely contain his impatience as Felipe opened the passageway and they made their way to the Cave.
"So Felipe, why is Mendoza coming here for supper?"
Felipe told Diego the horror of watching Mendoza trip and trigger the door, and hoping he won't tell the Alcalde what he had found.
Diego pressed his hand to his forehead. A headache was threatening to form with yet another possible threat to his secret identity. "Do you think he's figured out I'm Zorro?"
Felipe shrugged. He signed, "I don't know. But I thought we should have him for supper and see exactly what he thinks about all that had happened."
"Do you think I should tell him, if he hasn't figured it out for himself already?"
Felipe shrugged. "I don't know for sure. I really don't."
Diego could guess why Felipe was uncertain. Mendoza was dearly beloved by all the pueblo, but at times was unpredictable regarding his ability for subterfuge.
"I'm not sure either, Felipe. I haven't exactly thought through what it means now that Victoria knows. And whether I should tell Father." Pausing, Diego looked at Felipe with a question in his eyes. "I really don't know."
Signing, Felipe stated, "Why don't you first talk to Victoria, and get that resolved. Then see where to go from there."
Diego nodded. "It makes sense. And we shall see what Mendoza has to say as well." Smiling slightly, Diego continued, "We should get back up there. I'm certain Father will be looking for us again soon."
~~ZZ~ZZ~ZZ~ZZ~~
Diego approached the library with trepidation. One of the servants had informed him Victoria had arrived and was waiting in the library. He had at first thought she would ride out to the hacienda with Mendoza, but Felipe had informed him she was going to arrive earlier in order to have a discussion with him first. Diego wasn't sure he was looking forward to this discussion, but it was something which had to be done.
He entered the room, and his eyes met Victoria's as she looked up from the chair in which she was sitting. A pretty blush rose on her cheeks as she stood up and slowly made her way towards him.
"How are you?" Victoria knew they didn't have much time to talk, but she didn't know where to start.
"I'm okay."
"They didn't hurt you any further, did they?"
Diego shrugged. "No, not really."
Victoria could tell he was lying, but decided to let it slide. For the moment. She struggled with the next thing to say. An uncomfortable silence fell upon them.
"Should we sit down for a moment?" Diego asked. Victoria nodded and allowed Diego to lead her to the couch. They sat down, both uncertain as to what to say.
"Did Felipe tell you...about Mendoza?" Victoria asked.
"Yes, he did. Do you think he's guessed I'm Zorro?"
"I'm not sure. But…he knows something's not quite right, because of Felipe's reaction, I'm sure."
The two fell silent again, not knowing what to say. Diego took a deep breath to calm his beating heart, and asked, "Are you still angry with me?"
Victoria looked at her life-long friend and gave a small smile. "I should be, but I've been so worried about you. First the bandits, then this business of being jailed. How close do think you got to the Alcalde believing you're Zorro?"
Diego shrugged. "Too close for comfort, I think. I can only hope he's dropped the idea, mainly because Felipe did such a wonderful job providing me with an alibi."
Victoria smiled with pride. "He really has grown into a wonderful young man, Diego. I hate to admit, I haven't given him enough credit lately. It seems like it was only yesterday he was a boy."
"Zorro would've been either dead or caught a long time ago, if it hadn't been for him."
Victoria jumped slightly, as though a shiver went down her back. She said softly, "Then I'm very glad Felipe's been there to assist you all these years."
Diego gave Victoria's hand a squeeze, smiled at her and said, "I suppose we should stop this discussion for now. Mendoza should be here soon, and we'll have supper."
AN: Thank you for reading this! Hope you liked it. Wasn't sure how to end this but otherwise it would get too long. So…hopefully the next chapter will be up sooner than later.