Disclaimer: No copyright infringement meant with story. Characters owned by ZPI, not by me. I only wish to borrow them for a little while.
AN: Wow! Thanks for the feedback for the last chapter! Glad I was able to surprise you. So…let's see what the rest of the gang think of de Soto's offer.
Previously:
Alejandro nodded. "You and I can discuss this more at home Felipe. Just in case." Looking at Victoria, who appeared ready to fall asleep in a moment, he said, "We should go home and get some rest. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Don Cristobel should be arriving late afternoon to help us with this, as well. Yes, getting Diego released on legal means would be much better than doing anything illegal and reckless."
Alejandro was unable to get much sleep that night. All he could think of was his son hanging from the Alcalde's noose. Only because he dared to do what he and the older dons of the pueblo refused to do: stand up to the injustices of the Alcalde.
At least three times he had walked to his bedroom door, about to thrust it open and run to Felipe's bedroom, wake the boy up, and demand they break Diego out of jail. Each time, however, with his hand on the doorknob, Alejandro stopped himself with much effort and returned to bed.
The next morning at the breakfast table, Alejandro looked at the young man across from him. Felipe appeared as though he didn't get much sleep either. He looked up only to meet the older man's eyes. Felipe's shy smile met Alejandro's gaze. Felipe signed, "Don't worry. I am sure your instincts will be proven correct."
Alejandro bit his lower lip and shook his head. "I don't know, Felipe. I just don't know. We just can't lose him."
Felipe reached across the table and grasped Alejandro's hand. His eyes took on a fierceness Alejandro had never seen. After squeezing his hand and releasing it, Felipe signed, "We won't. I won't let that happen."
Alejandro was surprised to feel comforted by Felipe's look and statement. He reminded himself that the young man in front of him was indeed Zorro's assistant. That must mean something. As well as seeing with his own eyes how much Felipe had grown over the past two years. He was certainly on his way to becoming a fine young man. Just like his mentor.
Before he could answer, a servant entered, bringing a note for Alejandro. He read it, then read it again and looked at Felipe. "The Alcalde has allowed us three, you, me and Victoria, to visit Diego in jail this morning."
Alejandro watched as several emotions passed through Felipe's eyes. Felipe swallowed, then asked, "What do you think this might mean?"
Alejandro raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "I'm not sure, Felipe. Not at all." Looking at the boy's half-eaten breakfast, compared to his barely touched plate as well, Alejandro asked, "Are you done eating? I can't eat another bite myself."
Felipe looked at his plate. The young man who usually asked for second helpings looked at his plate with disdain, pushed it away, and signed, "Let's see what's going on."
~~Z~~Z~~Z~~
Victoria also had spent a restless night as well. How could she sleep when the love of her life, her best friend, her Diego, could be facing death within the next day or so?
When she wasn't thinking about that, Victoria's mind alternated with self-recrimination for falling in love with Zorro while Diego had been there all the time. She only was half-ignorant of burying her feelings for Diego the first time Zorro had kissed her hand. All these years, her feelings for Diego remained close to the surface, occasionally appearing when another woman barely looked at him, much less if he showed any interest in another woman. If only she hadn't been so blind, she'd have realized they were the same man. Or, at the very least, she could've been married years ago to her best friend.
Today as she faced Diego, she wanted to yell at him for hiding his secret from her, but the fact his life was held in the whimsical fingers of their Alcalde muted that desire. Instead, she forced herself to focus on what was truly important, addressing what to do next. Mainly, keeping Diego alive so he could marry her. And soon.
She hoped with all her might Don Alejandro was correct, that the Alcalde truly wouldn't condemn her Corazon, her Querido, to death. Surely, that wouldn't, couldn't happen. Could it?
After a night of tossing and turning, she had gotten up early. She threw herself into the morning chores, thinking perhaps she might be called away during the day. For whatever reason. And hoping it would be for a happy, not a tragic, reason.
Victoria was in the kitchen, elbow deep in kneading bread, when Felipe entered the kitchen without knocking. Her eyes widened in alarm, afraid to ask why he was rushing, but knew she had to hear the answer. And waited for him to sign something when Don Alejandro entered.
"Please wash up, Victoria. The Alcalde has said we can visit Diego this morning. For some reason."
~~Z~~Z~~Z~~
Previously:
Wishing to change the subject, Diego asked, "How long do I have to think about this? I also wish to consult with my family on this as well."
de Soto groaned in frustration. "What is needed to think over? You don't think I deserve a good position in Spain?"
Diego considered the man in front of him. He had to admit, when de Soto had first arrived, Diego thought he'd do an excellent job. Then all expectations were for naught. But, as he himself had said, Ignacio had much improved his governing over the past six months. Perhaps…
"I did not say that, Alcalde. There are a lot of factors going into this decision. I'd rather get my father's opinion before I decide."
Shaking himself, de Soto said, "All right. I don't understand, but I'll give you a few hours to consider it. I will also send word to your father to visit." As Diego was about to say something, de Soto rolled his eyes. "All right. The mute boy and Señorita Escalante can visit as well."
The three concerned family members of one Diego de la Vega made their way across the pueblo to the jail. Before he opened the door, Alejandro exchanged glances with Victoria, who took a breath, let it out, and attempted a brave smile at the older man. He nodded, opened the door, and the three walked in.
The Alcalde was sitting behind the desk, apparently absorbed in some paperwork. He didn't look up until Don Alejandro gave a polite little cough.
"Oh, Don Alejandro, I didn't hear you enter." Looking at Victoria, he nodded, "Good morning, Senorita Escalante." As per his usual crass behavior, de Soto ignored Felipe. "Diego requested a family conference this morning with you. He has something to discuss with you." As Don Alejandro opened his mouth to speak, de Soto interrupted. "I'll let him explain, if you please, Don Alejandro."
de Soto rose, straightened his top coat, and walked smartly around his desk without looking at the three. He led them down the hall to Diego's cell, to find Diego walking towards the bars as they approached.
"Good morning, Father, Victoria." Diego exchanged glances with Felipe before he smiled. "Felipe." When de Soto made no move to leave, Diego looked over at him. "Alcalde, do you mind giving us some privacy, please?"
"Of course." Pulling several sheets of paper out of his jacket, he held them up. "Should I leave these with them, Diego?" he asked with exaggerated innocence.
Diego bit the inside of his cheek then answered in a controlled tone, "Yes, I'd…I'd appreciate that very much, Alcalde."
In silence, de Soto handed the sheets of paper to Don Alejandro, nodded to the three, then left. Alejandro looked at Diego, silently questioning what to do next.
Diego drew a large breath, exhaled, and said, "Please read those two pieces of paper, please. All three of you."
Diego turned and walked to his cot and sat down to watch his family read the letters. His father held the paper so Victoria could read it with him, then he passed it on to Felipe. Neither spoke, but Victoria had gasped softly. They then read the second letter as Felipe quickly read the first one. Felipe raised stunned eyes at Diego, who nodded.
Felipe signed, "Why?"
Diego said, "Read the second letter, Felipe," which his father handed to Felipe. Felipe scanned the second letter, reading it a second time, then lowered it to look at Diego with a stunned look on his face.
"Is this for truth, Diego?" Victoria asked.
"Apparently so, preciosa," he answered her with a soft smile.
Don Alejandro took the two letters from Felipe's hand. He quickly read them both again. "What do you think, Diego?"
"I wanted to know what you thought, Father."
"Even before Don Cristobel arrives?"
"Yes, Father. What do you think?"
Left hand finding his chin, rubbing it while he thought out his reply, Alejandro considered his son. Finally, he spoke. "For the life of me, I can't see any hidden agendas or traps in such an offer. Except…."
"Except for the fact I practically perjure myself by saying Ignacio should be promoted."
Victoria turned so quickly towards Diego it almost seemed as though she pounced upon him like a cat. "What do you mean, Diego? Are you seriously considering not taking the offer?"
Diego smiled at his presciosa's temper. "Now, Victoria…"
"Don't 'Now Victoria' me, Diego! It bothers me too, that condition about vouching for his qualifications for promotion. But, there are two advantages here. One, you'd be alive. Two, we'd be rid of de Soto for good. And three….you'd be alive."
Felipe frantically signed, "I agree with Victoria."
Alejandro considered each of the three people in front of him. "I can't say I disagree with that, Diego. I know it goes against everything Zorro stood for…"
"Not if, for the sake of the pueblo, for the people's best interests, we get rid of the Alcalde. And, Diego, it's not really lying." Victoria said. "Is it?"
"I suppose I should understand why you think I have a hidden agenda behind of all of this." The group was startled as the Alcalde walked towards them. "I only want to return to Spain. And I don't want the King angry at me for spoiling his good name by executing a family member. This way, I get my revenge on Zorro, more or less, and leave this dreadful pueblo. You, on the other hand, get to marry and get a new Alcalde."
Shaking his head, the Alcalde continued, "But I guess I need to allow your lawyer to arrive to advise you as well. Then may I have your decision, Diego?"
"Of course."
"Then I will ask your family to say their goodbyes…for now, of course, and leave. I have other business to take care of."
Through the bars, Alejandro could only shake his son's hand and pat his shoulder. Felipe gave Diego a hearty handshake as well. Victoria approached the bars and gave the others a sideways glance. Diego looked at them with a meaningful nod towards the door, and they turned away. Ignacio pretended to look away as well, but at this point Diego didn't care. He was able to capture Victoria's lips through the bars, uncomfortable as it was, for a quick kiss. She cupped his cheek and whispered, "We shall see you soon." He smiled at her, trying to communicate all his love to her.
de Soto turned to look at Diego. "I'll bring your lawyer to you as soon as he arrives."
Diego watched as his family left. There was still a slight lingering doubt within him about signing those papers, but for the life of him, Diego couldn't figure out any type of nefarious scheme the Alcalde might be concocting. He will wait to see what Don Cristobel had to say, and make the final decision then.
AN: Again thank you sooo very much for all the reviews, favs and follows. The Zorro community is the best fandom EVER. And, as always, I appreciate the support and appreciation I receive from you guys.