Diego knocked on the door to the Alcalde's office. Destara looked up from his work at his desk, and waved him over.

"I heard that the Indians were going to be given back a portion of land. Won't you get some backlash from the rancheros about that?"

"Always straight to business, Diego. Sit and relax. I'll pour you a drink," Max Destara said with a smile. He hesitated, realising what he had said.

"I don't drink, Destara. Besides I am well refreshed from my lunch at the tavern. I'm not thirsty. I'm not offended if you need a drink," Diego said, as he sat.

"It's getting hotter every day."

"It's not Madrid," Diego said softly. "The temperatures tend to be a little more extreme here."

"How is everyone in your circle?"

"Good. The baby will arrive any day now. Our wedding is this weekend."

"You must be excited."

"How is your circle?"

"Patrice? She is committed to her father, of course. He's very ill…has been over the last couple of days."

"It may be a blessing for the poor girl," Diego said softly. "I mean if her father is near his end, she'll feel more open to marriage."

"I would have supported both of them adequately enough. She is a little too proud, and she's strong enough to insist on her own way, even if it is self-sacrificial. One of the reasons I fell in love with her."

There was an awkward silence, and the two men stared thoughtfully at each other.

"There is nothing poor about her, Diego. She is as head strong and fiery as your Victoria. It's just that she has been taught to keep her mouth shut."

Diego bristled a little.

"Are we going to fight, Diego?"

"Why should we?" Diego said softly. "You are obviously testing me to see what I would do. Why are we enemies, Max?"

"We were friends, once. I'm a little more practical, you're a little too idealistic. Francisco was much more moderate than either of us. That was why we made such a good team."

"Francisco is gone."

Destara nodded. "I don't see us as friends any more than you do, Diego. Too much heartache and too much hatred over the years… We could be allies, however."

"Allies?"

"You have as much influence as your father does, in certain areas. You speak up for the minorities in the pueblo who don't have a voice. You could perhaps talk to Zorro, or else let him know about the pardon."

"Is it a real pardon?"

"You doubt my word?"

"I doubt any Alcalde who has sat in that chair, and so does everyone else. You'll have a long wait to pardon Zorro. He knows about it."

"He refuses?"

"He refuses to be drawn into a trap, Alcalde. He has been offered them before, and you will discover that as you go through the files, I am sure."

"Well," Destara said thoughtfully. "I shall have to be patient then. It will take a lot to win the pueblo's trust, and a lot more to win their hero's. I suppose he is wise under the circumstances. It's not as if he knows me, or my character. You, on the other hand, sat with me in many classes in Madrid, and socialised with me every night. Zorro hasn't had that opportunity, has he?"

"Are you intending that he does?"

Destara laughed a little. "As we have not seen the man for about two months, he is either dead, or happy so far with my management of the pueblo. Some people say that your impending marriage drove the man over a cliff somewhere."

"That is a little melodramatic," Diego said with a smile. "I wouldn't have thought the man was that emotional? I'm sure he's been tending to his own business outside of the pueblo."

"There may be some tension between you. If you need any protection Diego, I am willing to supply the necessary men."

"What if he never shows himself again?"

"Then in 7 years, we declare the man legally dead and have a memorial service."

"Really?"

"Really." Destara considered the other man's face. "Diego, if you know the man, or Victoria sees him, let him know he has nothing to fear from me. I respect his stance, and I would like him to join my garrison as a legitimate enforcer of the peace."

"He's obviously not a soldier."

"He's a man with underused abilities, or he will be once I get the garrison up to shape."

"Fencing is going out of style."

"What Zorro does, is more espionage, and investigation than outright battle. I'm sure he can pick up some shooting skills."

"As you said before, Zorro hasn't been seen for weeks. He is unlikely to appear to me, but Victoria may see him. I'll pass the information along."

Diego stood, and Destara shook his hand. "You do that, Diego. I appreciate it."

Zzz

Victoria nodded and smiled at Diego as he entered the kitchen via Zorro's usual route.

"A little easier without the cape and sword, Diego?"

"It feels strange without them, actually. My balance is a little off today."

He landed gracefully in front of her, with a deep bow, and she laughed a little.

"Why is it that my heart was in my mouth the whole time? Zorro always manages it with such grace."

"I do present differently in different clothes, remember?"

Victoria smiled, and turned away.

"What's wrong, Victoria?"

"I was thinking about the engagement party."

"No one has been gossiping about it, have they?"

"No. I feel a little foolish that I behaved so badly."

"What do you remember about it?"

"Not much… You saved me from the river after I had taken off my clothes."

"You had your chemise."

Victoria blushed a little. "It gets a little blurry after that. I'm sure I just got much worse. And how much worse could I go?"

"Not much worse," Diego admitted. "No more champagne for you. At least not two glasses."

"I had an empty stomach. I should know better."

"It all turned out alright in the end," Diego said. "All's well that ends well."

"You are so gracious. How did I deserve you?" She embraced him tenderly, and he kissed her.

"So are you…An angel of mercy and compassion, of forgiveness and grace."

"You are exaggerating."

"Perhaps," Diego said, as he moved aside for a moment. "Any more thoughts about the pardon, Victoria?"

"There is plenty of gossip flying around. All the people saying what should be done. Some want to throw a party for Zorro, others shake their heads and say that the Alcalde is just baiting a trap. I don't know what to think," she murmured.

"Neither do I," Diego admitted. "I haven't worn the costume for a long time now. Perhaps the bandits are staying away. Perhaps the need for Zorro is diminishing."

"Not for me," Victoria whispered.

"I'm afraid you may just have to put up with Diego, my love."

Victoria wrapped her arms around her distracted fiancé and he looked into her face. She smiled at his worried frown, and her lips met his. He deepened the kiss, drawing her closer with strong arms, and she broke it off for some air.

"What are we to do with each other, Diego? You make me so dizzy and breathless, without even trying."

"I think I trust Destara. Some of the things he mentioned today, it's as if the man already knows who Zorro is."

"Could he know?"

"Yes." Diego frowned a little at the floor. "He could know. He must know. If he hasn't done anything about it, would he just be waiting for me to wander into a trap? I hardly know."

"Do you want to go abroad for our honeymoon? I know we agreed to stay here and help with Isabella and the tavern. You wanted to keep a close eye on the Alcalde – as usual."

"I am not a coward, Victoria. I am sick of hiding away. I'm not doing this for another five years."

"You could be killed, Diego," she breathed.

"I could be killed by a bull, or a lightning strike or a fever or any number of things. A burglar could murder me in my sleep. The buggy could overturn and kill me instantly."

"All unlikely, as you well know. Stop being emotional, and think logically." Victoria slapped him lightly on the arm. "Soldiers have been trying to kill you for years. It is more probable."

"Probable but impossible. I am too good at evasion."

Victoria turned away from him. "I am terrified for you. Don't laugh at my fears."

He embraced her and kissed her, and she responded slowly to his touch.

"I'm just trying to alleviate them, Victoria. I'm sorry."