Disclaimer: No copyright infringement meant with story. Characters owned by ZPI, not by me. I only wish to borrow them for a little while and create new adventures for them. 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 really apologize for taking so long in getting this out to you. The muse is just so frustrating at times. So, sure hope you enjoy the little twists in this, and let me know what you think.

Previously:

Ramone sat down in his chair as he watched Diego being led to the jail. Turning to the bandits, he replied, "You understand, I cannot give you the full reward at this time. I need to do further investigation before I do that." Pulling out his wallet, Ramone handed the bandits 500 pesos. "Come back tomorrow and I will tell you my decision."

Juan and Pedro exchanged glances. Juan opened his mouth, but Pedro shook his head at him. Pedro said, "Thank you, Alcalde, we will return tomorrow."

Earlier that afternoon, without the de la Vegas being aware of it, the jail was under surveillance. Max and his men had ridden into town, all set to collect the rest of the reward for turning Zorro in. However, as they were approaching the jail, they arrived in time to watch Diego leave the jail a free man. Max realized he wasn't going to get any more money as they watched the de la Vegas leave. He wondered what possibly could have happened.

While Max and the other men were watching the jail, Jose had been sent to Victoria's tavern to gather any useful information. Before they knew it, Jose returned. "Max, bad news. It was a smart idea, hanging out at that tavern. I found out Zorro was seen last night by some of the soldiers. With de la Vega with us, it says he's not Zorro." With a sad shake of his head, Jose said, "That's why de la Vega was let go."

Reese, the youngest of the group, said, looking around with wide eyes, "I knew it! This was a bad idea. Now the Alcalde will be coming after us for sure, to get back the money he gave us."

"We better leave now, Max, while we can, before the Alcalde comes looking for us," Pedro added. "That man is one mean cabron. I don't think we would like it very much if he gets ahold of us."

Max looked at his gang with anger apparent in his eyes. Why do I surround myself with idiots?

Max considered his options. Realizing there was nothing he could do, at this time, Max attempted to cool his anger. He looked at his men and said, "All right. Let's go. We'll ride north to Santa Barbara. We'll see what that town can offer us."

All the men mounted their horses and began their journey. Lost in his thoughts Max attempted to get rid of the frustration he was feeling. That de la Vega had played him a fool. Max was positive the man was Zorro. But he reminded himself going after de la Vega now would only get him arrested, and he was smarter than that to let wounded pride get him hanged. He will carefully plot out his revenge. To be carried out at a future time.

However another thought entered his mind. Whoever Zorro may be, he might very well come searching for them. The question raised by this thought...was it smarter to get de la Vega arrested or to leave the area? Realizing he really didn't have any additional evidence to support his claim about de la Vega, Max realized he'd have to accept that fact and let it go. For now. If the opportunity presented itself in the future...if they happened to return to this pueblo...who knows? And if Zorro came chasing after them, they'd be prepared. One way or another, Max was determined to get that reward.

Feeling happier for settling the issue within himself, Max joined in the friendly discussion his men were having and enjoyed the ride.

~~Z~~Z~~Z~~Z~~Z~~

Previously:

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."

Mendoza was led into the library by Felipe. Diego approached him with a smile on his face. "Thank you so much, Mendoza, for coming to help celebrate."

Mendoza was uncertain as to what he should say. He was still undecided as to what he should think about the incident in the library. His eyes, despite his best intentions, floated towards the fireplace.

Diego took a breath and let it out slowly. "Do you have a question, Mendoza?"

"May I..." Mendoza leaned towards Diego. "May I speak freely?" He gave a small nod towards Felipe and Victoria.

"Certainly, Mendoza."

"I want you to know I didn't tell the Alcalde about the...about the secret..." He pointed towards the fireplace.

"We appreciate it, Mendoza. He wouldn't understand. "

Looking out towards the rest of the hacienda, Mendoza fake-whispered, "Does Don Alejandro know about it as well?"

Diego shook his head. "No, he doesn't."

Maria entered the library. "Don Diego, supper is ready," she said with a smile.

Diego stood up and asked, "Shall we?"

Mendoza followed Maria to the dining room, followed by Victoria on Diego's arm, with Felipe bringing up the rear. Don Alejandro arrived from an errand outside, and took over the conversation. He first began a diatribe against the Alcalde, with the absurdity of jailing Diego simply on the word of a known criminal.

Mendoza cleared his throat in embarrassment. "Don Alejandro, should you be discussing this with me present? I don't want you to say something you regret."

Don Alejandro had the courtesy to look embarrassed as well. "I'm sorry, Mendoza. I don't mean to put you in an awkward situation with the Alcalde."

"Well, Don Alejandro, um…like I told Victoria this afternoon, I'm not happy with how the Alcalde has handled this situation."

"What makes this any different than any other situation?" slipped out of Victoria before she could stop herself.

Mendoza gave a small smile. "You are correct, Señorita Victoria. It has been more and more difficult for me to work alongside the Alcalde. But what can I do? I'm just a sergeant." Giving himself a shake, Mendoza picked up his fork. "I suggest we think about more pleasant thoughts…such as Maria's wonderful supper." Looking at Victoria, Mendoza started blubbering. "Of course….um…it's not as good as yours, Señorita."

Smiling at Mendoza, Victoria said, "It's alright, Mendoza, I understand." She winked at Diego. "You're correct, Mendoza. Let's change the subject. Have you heard any good gossip lately?"

Mendoza's face lit up. Despite himself, gossiping was his most favorite thing to do, after eating. And eating with friends gossiping? Definitely one of the joys of Mendoza's life.

"That sounds like an excellent idea, Mendoza." Don Alejandro proceeded to bring up several rather interesting stories making their way around the pueblo.

Diego found himself relaxing as the meal progressed. For a while he allowed himself to just take in the atmosphere and enjoy the moment being with his family and friends. As well as being thankful for being alive.

After they had completed the meal, the group adjourned to the formal sitting room, where they enjoyed after-dinner drinks of Jerez.

After an hour of enjoyable conversation, Don Alejandro stood up. "Victoria, Sergeant Mendoza, thank you for joining us tonight. I apologize but I have to retire early. I am accompanying my foreman to Santa Barbara tomorrow to attend a cattle auction."

Diego began to rise. "Oh, Father, I completely forgot about the auction."

Alejandro motioned for his son to resume his seat. "Diego, you needn't concern yourself. Because of your ordeal, I asked Raul to accompany us. You enjoy our guests' company a while longer." After a pause, he continued, "But not too late. You do need your rest after your ordeal, after all."

Victoria hid a smile behind her hand, and Mendoza coughed nervously. Diego turned a slight shade of red as he struggled to respond appropriately. Inside he sighed in resignation because yet again he must play timid and accept his father's unintentional insult. "Yes, Father, you're right. I wouldn't stay up too late."

Diego watched his father leave. Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly Diego realized he could no longer delay the conversation with Mendoza. He suddenly felt a soft, small hand grasp his. Looking up, his eyes met Victoria's. She nodded and gave him an encouraging smile.

"Mendoza, I want to thank you again for all you have done for me and my family over the past few days."

Mendoza sat up a little straighter and he smiled softly. "It is the least I can do, Don Diego. You and your family mean so much to me."

"Err…do you have any other questions about what happened today?"

Diego watched as Mendoza appeared to struggle with a concern. "Well, Don Diego. I am not sure. I can't help wondering why you kept that room a secret…and with all this nonsense about you being Zorro…I might jump to a conclusion that really isn't so." He shrugged. "And I might not really want to know anyway."

Diego nodded. No need to tell Mendoza, for he indeed knew. However, he wasn't completely comfortable with the information. Diego could certainly understand Mendoza feeling like that.

Walking to Mendoza's side and gripping his shoulder, Diego said, "If you ever, ever want to talk, please let me know." He looked at Victoria, who nodded again in encouragement. "And nothing has changed. I…I will not expect anything different from you, now that you know. Unless you want it, and you let me know."

Mendoza, disputing a commonly-held belief of not being intelligent, understood completely what Diego was saying. He smiled one of his most brilliant smiles and said, "Gracias, Don Diego. Si, si, understood."

Victoria stood up. "Diego, I think your father was correct. We shouldn't keep you too long, for you have had quite the adventurous couple of days." She smiled at Mendoza. "So shall we let this caballero get his rest?"

Reaching his side, Victoria placed a gentle arm on Diego's arm. "Shall I see you tomorrow? At the tavern?"

Resisting the temptation of stealing a kiss, due to Mendoza's presence, Diego winked and said, "I will see you tomorrow at lunch…Senorita."

Victoria rolled her eyes at him and left with Mendoza. Diego sighed and sat down, not aware of the smile on his face. Felipe entered the library and shook his head. He walked over to Diego and shook his shoulder.

"Oh, Felipe, what is it?"

Felipe signed, 'You should go to bed now. You do need your rest.'" He smirked at the older man. And ducked when Diego attempted to cuff the back of his head.

"I suppose you are correct, young man. Even if you are a little too smart for your own good at times." Felipe just smiled at him. Diego shrugged and said, "Yes, I should."

"And dream of Victoria," Felipe signed. Right before he ran out of the room.

Diego shook his head again. But he is correct. I am sure I will be dreaming of Victoria tonight. The smile on his face disappeared as a thought entered his mind. I wonder what happened with Max and his gang.

Diego began to pace in his room. He reviewed the pros and cons regarding riding as Zorro tonight. Zorro should ride tonight, but…I am tired. And sore. Sleeping on the ground isn't very comfortable. Or being beaten up by bank robbers. And the amount of de la Vega money taken? Not as large an amount as the bandits had thought. Luckily, they weren't aware his father had another safe in his office, where the true cash balance for the ranch was held. For once I'm going to be smart and realize it's not a large amount, not worth risking my life. Perhaps knowing I can have a future with Victoria has made me less reckless.

Diego gave a small sigh and began to get ready for bed. Tomorrow, after a good rest, he would be able to approach the problem with fresh eyes. Figure out where the gang would be heading, because logically they would leave Los Angeles. He needed to at least get back Victoria's money for her.

~~Z~~Z~~Z~~Z~~Z~~

Diego woke up the next morning with a smile on his face. He did indeed dream of Victoria, and what might happen in the years ahead. His smile disappeared, however, when he remembered Zorro still had some business to take care of.

After a quick breakfast, he rode into town. Using the newspaper as an excuse to explain his unusual morning trip into the pueblo, Diego headed to the Alcalde's office.

Ramone was sitting at his desk reading a letter. He looked up as Diego entered the room.

"Oh Diego, how are you this morning, following your ordeal? I would've thought you would be sleeping extra hours today."

Diego pursed his lips momentarily before he adapted his 'Diego' facade. He faked a good-natured tone and said, "Oh, you are such a kidder, Alcalde. No, I needed to work on my column for the newspaper."

"So why are you here in my office instead of yours?"

"I was wondering if the soldiers have found any leads on the gang. They stole money from my father, you know."

"Yes, very aware of that, Diego. No, the lancers haven't found any signs of the gang yet. When I have news, you and your father will be the first to know."

By the sickeningly sweet smile the Alcalde gave him, Diego knew Ramone didn't expect the gang to be found. I guess Zorro will have to do some investigating after all.

"And regarding the other thing…"

"Oh, the ridiculous claim that you're Zorro? Diego, why would you think I would continue to believe that? Zorro appeared while you were a captive. I guess it makes it clear you cannot be Zorro."

Another one of his superficial smiles. I wonder….

Diego looked at the Alcalde speculatively, as the Alcalde met his eyes confidently and without guile. "Is there anything else, Diego?"

"No, I better get going. I have to write up the ordeal, and include the non-progress made by your soldiers."

The Alcalde's lips began to curl a little before he was able to turn them up into a tight smile. "I am sure you will be restating that differently in your article."

Diego nodded non-committedly, smiled, and left. As he walked back to the newspaper office, he wondered whether Zorro should start searching now. No, he needed to keep low. Besides, he did just tell the Alcalde he was going to be in the office, so he better do that. And he did have the new issue to get out.

AN: Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed it. The Muse finally kicked it into gear and gave me a new direction for this story and the pieces are falling into place. Yay! Hopefully the wait wouldn't be as long for the next chapter…same Zorro time, same Zorro channel….