I apologize for the delay. The idea for this story suddenly struck me, and I failed to consider my limited availability this month. Consequently, it will take a bit longer than usual.
Rest assured, I am committed to completing the story and providing regular updates as always.
Chapter 2
Three days had elapsed since the conversation between Diego and de Soto in the tavern. The alcalde had been preoccupied with matters he considered more pressing, causing their discussion to fade into the background. As he sat at his desk, poring over the papers before him, a sudden knock on his door disrupted his concentration. Annoyed by the interruption, de Soto grumbled, "Enter."
The door swung open, and de Soto's irritation deepened when he saw who had walked in. It was Diego de la Vega, whose presence rarely heralded good news. "Buenos días, alcalde. May I come in?" Exuding his trademark self-assuredness, Diego confidently strolled over to a chair and took a seat. Felipe followed closely behind him, finding a spot in the corner of the office to lean against the wall.
"Alcalde," Diego began with a troubled look in his eyes, "I'm afraid I have a problem."
De Soto couldn't help but smirk. The man who always went to great lengths to avoid trouble now had a predicament and had come seeking advice. De Soto's curiosity was piqued. He placed his quill on its designated holder and leaned forward, eager to hear what Diego had to say. "Go on. Perhaps I can be of assistance."
"I hope so. Alcalde, you see, over the past few days, I've been delving deeper into your theory about criminals."
"Science," de Soto corrected, a touch of pride in his 'scientific' approach to crime.
Diego disregarded the remark and calmly continued his narrative. "I have been contemplating further research. As you know, I have a broad interest in various sciences. By chance, I happen to possess a copy of Johan Kaspar Lavater's book. I've immersed myself in his theories. And I have diligently documented as many physical characteristics of Zorro as possible. I admit it would certainly be easier should we persuade Zorro to cooperate. At this point, it's mostly all an estimation, as his mask conceals many of his facial features."
De Soto grinned. "Are you suggesting you can't do it? Is it all too complicated for you?"
"Not exactly. It would be significantly more straightforward if Zorro visited the hacienda, allowing me to take precise measurements. In the meantime, I require your assistance. Something important has occurred to me, something neither of us had considered previously. To rigorously test Lavater's theory, we must eliminate chance. That's why I propose observing someone whose integrity is beyond reproach."
"It seems entirely unnecessary. Zorro is a dangerous criminal. Don Diego, your findings will likely only confirm what is already known." De Soto sounded noticeably agitated.
"That is debatable," Diego argued, "But doesn't true science involve testing your findings and verifying their accuracy?"
"Well, I've managed to persuade my father to assist with this," Diego continued, "Unfortunately, it turned out to be impossible to use him as a comparison. You see, according to señor Lavater, it's impossible for a man born into a noble family to possess criminal physical traits. As you understand, that excludes me as well."
"Diego," De Soto chuckled irritably, "You're only creating more work for yourself. Do what you must, but I believe this is entirely unnecessary." He was already familiar with this information since he had used the same book to write his article. "Zorro is a criminal and exhibits all the characteristics to prove it."
Diego emphasized his point by joining the thumb and fingers of his right hand at chest level. "But you see, for a thorough investigation, I need to find a man whose integrity is beyond question."
De Soto, who had been impatient and barely listening to Diego, muttered distractedly, "Yes, yes, of course," his thoughts preoccupied with the work that awaited him and his last encounter with Zorro.
"And that's why I had you in mind."
De Soto, now fully attentive, raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Me?"
"Well, yes. You're the only man in the region whose integrity we wouldn't doubt."
Fully aware that should his past ever get exposed, he could end up having to arrest himself, de Soto shifted nervously in his chair. "Of course, but I think we..."
"And you are not of noble birth. Your father was a farmer, I believe. Correct me when I am wrong."
De Soto did not like getting remembered for his heritage. Again, Diego seemed clueless about the insult.
"Glad you understand. Shall we get started?" Diego stood up and retrieved a measuring tape from his pocket.
"What are you doing!?" De Soto demanded to know, indignant.
"I'll be done in a jiffy. The only person whose innocence we can be certain of is yourself, isn't it?" Diego walked to the other side of the desk and began measuring the alcalde's shoulder width. "Let's see, fourteen point nine inches." He then gestured to Felipe and started to give instructions in sign language. "Felipe will write everything down."
"What do you think you're doing?" De Soto tried to shake off Diego, his irritation evident.
Slightly vexed, Diego sighed. He had made his case for the necessity of this endeavour. "Alcalde, we'll be done in no time. It'll only take five minutes of your precious time. If you'd be so kind as to remove your boot, I can measure your foot and ankle circumference."
Overwhelmed and feeling he had little choice but to allow Diego to proceed with his measurements, de Soto hesitated. Refusal would raise questions he didn't wish to answer. De Soto had always taken pride in his appearance. He did, however, object when Diego asked him to take off his socks to check for foot corns and verify if the second and third toes were of equal length, but all other measurements proceeded relatively smoothly.
When Diego finished, he remarked, "This should suffice. I don't think I need the length of your hair."
Felipe gestured and Diego said, "Ah, Si. Excuse me, alcalde. Felipe reminded me that I forgot to measure your ears. Just one more moment, if you please. And may I have your word that you'll be kind enough to request Zorro's presence at the hacienda the next time you encounter him?"
"Eh," De Soto uttered while straightening his jacket.
"Very well. I will inform you of my findings as soon as possible."
"De la Vega," De Soto hissed through clenched teeth. "Get out!"
Oblivious to any wrongdoing, Diego innocently remarked, "I would prefer to do it myself, but you'll likely have the opportunity sooner than I will. Come, Felipe. Let's head to the tavern. I overheard Mendoza telling a lancer that Victoria has baked her famous apple pie." Diego placed his hand on Felipe's shoulder. "And if we're lucky, we'll still be in time to get a piece. Alcalde, I'll inform you as soon as possible." With a final farewell, Diego and Felipe disappeared toward the tavern.
.
.
Several people in the past have conducted research on physical characteristics and criminal behavior. Johan Kaspar Lavater was just one of them, and his book was published in the 18th century. Of course, this entire so-called science is utter nonsense, but I simply enjoy making references in my stories to real individuals, events and books.