Chapter 24 – Marked as cattle
"I'm not sure I'm following you, Felipe," Doctor Hernández said. "Are you saying that Don Diego is… Zorro?"
Felipe nodded, urging him to lower his voice to a whisper.
"Really? I can't believe that!"
Felipe nodded again, rolling his eyes. The shocking news would take a while to settle with the old doctor.
"But if he is Zorro… then how is he? Is he alright? Mendoza shot Zorro today. I have been wondering how could I help him, but I didn't know how to reach him, of course. And I think the soldiers have been watching me all day."
Felipe gestured with his hands, taking one to his forehead, then shaking it and pointing upwards.
"He's got a fever?"
Felipe nodded, grateful because the doctor seemed to understand his signs quite well.
"Is the bullet out?"
Felipe nodded again, and then carried on signing to tell the doctor that, when he arrived at the hacienda, he should keep Diego's condition secret because nobody but him knew his identity.
"Who knows he is Zorro?"
Felipe pointed at the doctor, and then at himself.
"You and me? Nobody else? Not even Don Alejandro, or señorita Escalante?"
The youngster shook his head then, urging the doctor to the door.
"La Virgen Santa! Who would have thought? Now, wait a moment, I need to prepare some medicines and stuff before we go."
Felipe told him he would go to the tavern while he collected his things to check on Apollo, because nobody had tended for him since the morning. He got out the door, aware now of the two soldiers who were watching the doctor's house from the distance, when he hadn't noticed them before. One of them followed him to the tavern.
"What are you doing, chico?"
Felipe walked into the stables and pointed at the stallion. Apollo neighed then, happy to see him.
"Ah, that. Your horse. All right," the soldier said, going back to guard the doctor's house.
Felipe quickly checked the splint and made sure Apollo had plenty of hay and water, and also gave him a small amount of grain to eat. Then, he walked to the back of the tavern and climbed up the roof to get into Victoria's bedroom as if he was Zorro, to leave the note on her pillow.
By the time he came back to the doctor's house he had finished packing his bag and was waiting for him.
"Come on, then. But I think the soldiers are going to question where I'm going. What should I say? To visit Don Diego because he is sick, as you said? My God, I am such a lousy actor. They are going to notice I'm lying through my teeth."
Felipe gestured again, trying to encourage the doctor.
"I hope you are right, because I don't want to end up in jail with señorita Escalante."
"Where is Victoria? In jail?" Felipe asked.
"The alcalde arrested her this evening, but she can't tell him where Zorro is, because as you said, she doesn't know."
Picturing the folded paper waiting in vain on Victoria's pillow, Felipe took his hand to his face.
"Are you all right?"
"Yes, it's nothing. Come on, let's go."
ZZZ
The soldiers followed them all the way to the hacienda de la Vega. There, they asked the doctor who was the patient, and insisted to come inside to check it wasn't Zorro.
"Don't be ridiculous. I am treating Don Diego for a nasty bout of gastroenteritis. He can't be Zorro, for goodness sake! You are wasting your time, and mine," the doctor said, trying to use a firm tone. Felipe winked at him approvingly.
"We have strict orders from the alcalde. We have to make sure you are not treating Zorro for the gunshot wound. And if you do, we have to arrest you both," Private Márquez said.
"All right. Come in, but this is completely pointless."
They all came into the house, and on the way to Diego's bedroom they encountered Don Alejandro in the corridor.
"Doctor, thank you for coming at once. Diego is really sick. He's got a high fever now, and I can't wake him up," he said, guiding the doctor towards the room. Then he spotted the soldiers walking behind Felipe. "What are you two doing here?"
"We have orders to make sure the doctor is not treating Zorro," Márquez said.
"And do you think my son is Zorro? That's preposterous! I told the alcalde that already, and he agreed because he left. Alright, come in if you must. Have a look and then go away!"
They all got into Diego's bedroom. He was lying in bed still febrile and unsettled, with a cold compress on his forehead.
"Look, this is what he's been throwing up," Don Alejandro said, handing the soldiers a bowl full of stomach contents. "Take another sample for the alcalde, in case he didn't have enough before, and get out of my sight!"
"All right. We don't need this," Private González said, refusing to take the stinky bowl. "We'll wait for the doctor outside."
"Fine! Go!"
After they left, the doctor insisted he wanted to examine Diego in private.
"You can wait outside until I am done." Then, he crossed gazes with Felipe, who looked very keen to stay. "Felipe can stay with me to give me a hand if I need one. Don Diego told me before this young man is very interested in medicine, so this could be his first medical lesson."
Felipe nodded quickly, and took a seat by the bed.
"All right. We'll wait outside. Come on Emilio, let's have a drink in the meantime. I really need one."
After they left, the doctor removed the cold compress to touch Diego's forehead.
"He is still boiling. Help me to have a look at his abdomen."
Together they removed all the dressings to uncover the gunshot wound.
"My goodness! How did he get that?"
The wound was still oozing, but the whole area was covered by a large, dark bruise. When the doctor touched it Diego flinched, despite being unresponsive. The area around the wound was tender, as hot as his forehead, and when the doctor pressed on it more blood-stained fluid came out through the entry wound at the front. Felipe signed again, using his hand to do a flying motion, and then hitting his fist against the other.
"Oh, yes. He must have hit the pommel hard when Toronado jumped off the roof. How long has he been unconscious?"
Felipe answered all the questions while helping the doctor to examine the wound, clean it, and apply an herbal ointment at the entry and exit wounds. He also tried to explain the trick Diego had use to make Esteban sick to pretend he had stayed behind while Zorro was at the pueblo, and then how he had made himself sick and afterwards reverted the effects with another herbal mix.
"Really? He made himself sick while having this open wound? Was it worth it?"
Felipe explained how he had been sick all over the alcalde, and how that had saved his life when Ramón wanted to check his abdomen for a gunshot wound.
"He vomited on the alcalde? Oh, my, what a shame I wasn't here to see that!" he said, laughing, while he finished re-dressing Diego's abdomen. "Now, Felipe, there is no way for me to know if any internal organs have been damaged or not. But I know the human body has amazing healing properties and sometimes the guts can heal themselves with no major consequences even if they have been perforated. But if that is the case, he is going to be really poorly before he improves. How long can you keep this up? How long before Don Alejandro finds out his son is Zorro? Don't you think he should know what's going on? Wouldn't that be easier?"
Felipe tried to explain Diego had kept the secret for so long to keep everybody safe from the alcalde, and, unless it was absolutely necessary, he wanted to keep it that way.
"Well, good luck with that, because he is going to need regular changes of the dressings, at least every six hours, and you should apply this ointment to the wound as well. Can you do that?"
Felipe nodded, taking the small bottle.
"Make him drink as much bark infusion as you can, and this other medication, and carry on with the cold compresses. I'll be back in the morning."
Doctor Hernández called Don Alejandro and his brother. Then he made up a fantastic, highly convincing story about food poisoning intoxicating the blood as an explanation why Diego was so sick while Esteban had recovered quickly from the same condition. He said it could take several days for him to make any improvement. He left some instructions, specified Felipe was in charge of the treatment until the morning, and after telling them about Victoria's misfortune he finally left, returning to the pueblo with the soldiers on tow.
On the way there, he reflected on how clever Diego de la Vega had been to keep it all a secret, and wondered how he had managed to fool everybody for so long. The doctor hoped he could keep it that way, and that he would never let anything slip to incriminate Diego in the future. Knowing Zorro's secret was a big responsibility, and he wasn't sure he would be up to the challenge. Diego was right: the less people knowing, the better.
ZZZ
In the early morning, the alcalde looked at his reflection in the mirror. His neck was quite sore, so he took off the dressings covering the gash across it to have a look at it. That wound looked deep, and it would probably leave a permanent scar, a permanent reminder of Zorro to look at every day of his life. Fuming, he decided to also leave a reminder for Zorro. Right then, he decided to flog Victoria and mark her permanently as well, like cattle, so Zorro would always remember him every time he looked at her.
He sent a wicked smile to the mirror, redressed his neck and adjusted his cravat on top, covering the bandage loosely. Then he headed for the jail, whistling a tune, safe in the knowledge Zorro wasn't going to show up this time and spoil the fun.
ZZZ
"Felipe," Diego said softly that morning, after dawn. He had woken up with a dry mouth, and his raspy voice was too soft to wake up the youngster who had fallen asleep with his head resting at the side of the bed. He slowly moved his hand then to touch his head, and called for him again. "Felipe."
The youngster woke up then with a jolt, startled. When he focused his eyes on Diego he smiled broadly, happy so see him awake.
"How are you?" he signed.
"Thirsty."
Felipe stood up quickly to fetch a glass of bark infusion, helping Diego to drink it.
"What happened? I can't remember anything after you gave me the remedy to stop the sickness." Diego shifted his body slightly to a side to get more comfortable and then gasped in pain, grimacing, taking a hand to his side. "God, this really hurts now!"
Felipe told him Don Alejandro had insisted on calling the doctor, and now he knew his secret identity. He told him everything that had happened except one little piece of information: Victoria was in jail again.
"So, I can rest here for a few days while recovering from food poisoning intoxicating my blood… Nice one, because I will really need the rest. Does anybody else know the truth, apart from the doctor?"
Felipe shook his head.
"Good. We'll try to keep it that way. Now, can you get me something to eat? I am quite hungry now."
"Porridge?"
"No. Spoil me: bring some magdalenas. That would be nice, thank you."
ZZZ
"Where are you two going?" Esteban asked when he saw his father and uncle at the entrance with the horses saddled and ready.
"Nowhere," his father answered rather too quickly.
"It doesn't look like nowhere to me. Come on, tell me: what's going on?"
"Nothing. Diego looks better, he is awake now, and we are going for a ride," Don Alejandro said.
"Yeah, right. As if at your age, you just feel the need to "go for a ride" just for the sake of it!" Esteban said, laughing. "Come on, tell me where you're going."
"All right. I'll tell you: we are going to get Victoria out of jail. The alcalde arrested her yesterday. But you are not coming!" Don Emilio said.
"Of course I'm coming. Wait a second; I'll get my riding boots."
"Don't be ridiculous! You are in no condition to ride. And I promised the alcalde you would not interfere anymore. That's a crazy man you are messing with," Don Alejandro said.
"Felipe, can you please saddle my horse? I'll be back in a moment."
Felipe handed Don Alejandro the reins of the two horses and went back to the stables. At least, if they all went together, it would be easier for him to take care of Diego. By the time he returned with Esteban's horse, the trio were arguing at the entrance.
"Leave that sword behind, for Christ sake!" Don Alejandro cried. "And the gun!"
"No. I'm taking them with me."
"Do you have a death wish? Is that it?"
"No, but I want to be able to defend myself if I have to."
"Do you see what I had to deal with all my life, Alejandro?" Don Emilio said. "All right, take your sword, get killed, and then I'll return to Spain in the next ship. I can't take this shit any longer, Son."
"Fine, I'll leave the gun then, because the temptation to shoot that bastard you have for alcalde will be too strong to resist," Esteban said, taking the reins from Felipe, handing him the loaded gun. "Thank you, Felipe. Take good care of my cousin, will you?"
Felipe nodded and then watched them go, hoping everything would be alright.
ZZZ
"Señorita, you had a whole night to think and reflect on your situation. Do you remember where Zorro is yet?" the alcalde said while idly running his gloved fingers along the bars of the cell door, with his hideous smile in full display.
"How many times do I have to tell you? I don't know!" Victoria cried.
"Well, in that case, maybe a few lashes will refresh your memory."
"Lashes? Why? Are you insane?"
"No, I'm not. But as you seem so stubborn, I can't see any other way to make you talk. And if you persist and don't cooperate, maybe a Good Samaritan will come forward to tell me where Zorro is to spare you the pain," he said with his evil laugh.
Victoria shrank with fear while watching him go. For once she was truly scared, because this time she had no hope Zorro would come to the rescue. Not this time. She sat in the corner of the cell with her back against the wall, and cried with her head on her knees, surprised because she still had some tears left to shed.
ZZZ
Esteban didn't want to admit it, but his father was right: he wasn't ready to ride yet, or to do anything else, for that matter. His back was really sore, and he was sure some of the already healing wounds had come open again and they were bleeding under the dressings. But he gritted his teeth, didn't say anything, and pressed on because he couldn't stand the thought of Victoria spending time in jail again. At least, with all the rest he had in bed during the last few days, his leg was healed now.
"Have you thought about the wedding? Have you got a date in mind?" Don Alejandro said suddenly.
"What wedding?" Esteban said. "You are not talking about Lucía, are you?"
"Yes, of course. Who else?" Don Alejandro said.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you both, but that's not going to happen."
"What do you mean? You proposed yesterday!" Don Emilio said.
"No, I didn't."
"Of course you did. I saw you two kissing in the garden," Don Alejandro said, puzzled. "And you really look involved with each other."
"She made that up. I didn't propose. We were just kissing."
"What? You are not roaming the low-life brothels in Madrid now, Son, and you cannot take advantage of the rich heiresses in California as you please," Don Emilio said. "Forget that way of life once and for all!"
"I didn't take advantage of her. I am ashamed to tell you this, but she is the one that took advantage of me. I have been trying hard to stay away from Lucía, but she has been pestering me until she cornered me in the garden yesterday, encouraged by you two, by the way. She is the one who jumped into my arms to kiss me, not the other way round."
"What? That's ridiculous. Why would she do that?" Don Alejandro said.
"I knew you could be low when it comes to women, but that's too much, even for you. What a stupid excuse you came up with to back off an engagement! "She jumped into my arms to kiss me…" Don Emilio said with a funny tone, mocking his son. "Venga ya!"
"I'm telling you the truth. She is crazy. And I have no intention to marry her, none whatsoever."
They arrived at the pueblo then, putting an end to that conversation.
"We'll talk about this later. Let's talk to the alcalde now. And please, keep that sword in its sheath," Don Alejandro said.
"I'll try my best," Esteban said, cocky, but the last thing he wanted was engaging on a sword fight. Just getting off his horse without whining would be an achievement.
ZZZ
Nobody could believe what was about to happen in the plaza. Especially Pilar, who ran at the front to get closer to the soldiers.
"Sergeant! You promise you would guarantee her safety!" she spat.
"I… I… I can't… I didn't know…" Mendoza faltered, wishing he could disappear.
The soldiers had tied Victoria to one of the three flogging posts still erected in the plaza, and the alcalde was stretching his whip behind her, unmoved. When an angry crowd gathered around, Ramón ordered the soldiers to adopt a defensive line and shoot if anybody got any closer.
"I will say this one time only: if anybody knows Zorro's whereabouts, come forward and spare this woman the pain and humiliation of a public flogging. I will not ask that person how he or she got the knowledge of Zorro's hiding place, because I don't care, as long I can capture him. So, don't be afraid, my friends, and tell me: where is Zorro hiding? Who knows who that criminal is under the mask?"
Of course, nobody came forward, because nobody knew and because nobody wanted to be "the alcalde's friend". Ramón signed then to one of the lancers, who ripped the back of Victoria's dress.
"I'm so sorry, Señorita. I am sorry I have to do this," the soldier said.
"Go to hell!" she said, furious. But her bravado didn't last long, and she flinched in fear when the alcalde cracked the whip in the air behind her.
"Last chance before I start. Anybody?" Ramón said, swaying the whip in his hand.
"Alcalde! Wait! What the hell are you doing?" Don Alejandro cried, advancing quickly through the crowd waving a piece of paper in his hand. He stopped at the edge of the crowd, restrained on his chest by the soldier's muskets when he couldn't advance any further. "You signed this edict yesterday banning all flogging in this pueblo!"
"Zorro made me sign that paper at sword point. It's worth nothing!"
"It is written by your own hand, and signed by you! And it has your official stamp! Of course it is a valid document!"
Ramón laughed, shaking his head, and with a fast move he cracked the whip again, this time hitting Victoria's delicate back. Her cry of pain was lost in the cry of outrage the crowd let out.
ZZZZZ