Chapter 12 ~ Rodrigo Mask Unveiled
When it was reported that Don Diego was awake and on the mend, the commandante came to the hacienda with a squadron of soldiers. Raphael had entered the patio and removed his hat. He was met by the elder don, "Don Alejandro," he shook his hand.
"Commandante, this is an unexpected pleasure."
"Forgive my unannounced visit. I understand that Don Diego is doing well?"
Alejandro nodded, "Si, si."
Raphael grinned, "That is good. The reason for my visit is more of an official nature. With your permission, I would like to interview young Don Diego with the hopes of discovering the identity of this evildoer."
Alejandro hesitated at first, "I don't know if this is a good idea at the moment. I understand you road all this way but my son is resting."
Both men turned when they heard Diego's voice at the top of the stairs, "I will answer your questions." Diego descended the stairs stiffly but grateful that his legs had not been burdened.
Raphael bowed his head as the elder don gestured to the patio chairs. Diego sat first alongside Alejandro but Raphael preferred to stand. With hat in hand, he began asking the young don his line of questioning, "Forgive me, but some questions may be painful to answer. In your time. How did this man overpower you and when?"
A servant brought out some lemonade, they sipped on the sweet drink as Diego answered, "I was on my way home from the post office, I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that it hadn't occurred to me to wait for a guard," Diego further explained at the disapproving look he received from the commandante. "I know I should've waited for the escort." He continued, "I never saw him. He must have been hiding behind a tree. My horse reared and I fell off. That was the last thing I remember. Next thing I knew, I woke up in Matteo Coronado's blacksmith shop. I woke and it was dark out. I surmised I had been unconscious for most of the day."
"What about the man? Anything about his voice, facial features? Did he divulge any names? Any tiny thing is helpful."
Diego thought for a moment, "He covered his face. There was none that I could see. As for his voice, he has a low voice, thick accent like ours," he tried to think of anything, "I am sorry, I cannot think of any names that would be of use."
"What did he say?"
"Just wanted to take me down a peg or two. Scare me. 'If I can't have Anna Maria, then no one will.' Things like that." Diego cleared his throat as he adjusted a little in his chair. His pride still bruised.
"He said that?"
"In so many words," Diego gestured to his torso.
"What else did he say or do?"
Diego hesitated, he wanted to refrain from the details around his father. "I defended myself as best I could – until I couldn't. Next thing I remember, I woke up in my bed."
Raphael bowed his head, "I promise that I will do my best to find this man and bring him to justice. In the meantime, I hope to give you some peace by placing extra guards around your hacienda. You will not leave without an armed escort. That is an order," he shook a warning finger at the young don.
"Gracias." Diego bowed in gratitude.
"You can rest easy that that man will no longer be a threat to you."
zzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz
The rest of the afternoon, Anna Maria fussed over him. He protested at first but then relented, knowing it would ease her worry. She helped him into the sala during the heat of the day and served him wine with some bread, cheese and grapes. When the moon had risen, she offered him some brandy and a cigar and helped him onto the patio.
"Anna Maria," he eased into a patio chair, "I appreciate your help, but you do too much."
"Nonsense, Diego. I enjoy taking care of you," she smiled as she sat next to him.
He flashed a grin, "While I am flattered, I can see you are tired. Please, I insist you retire for the evening. Get some rest."
Anna Maria stared into his dark almond colored eyes. There was a fluttering in her throat. If possible, he seemed to have grown more handsome over the last few days. She never wished for his injuries or the pain she knew he was masking from her, but there was something about his unkempt appearance that made him ruggedly masculine. He wasn't the polished don as she had grown accustomed to. His hair wasn't perfectly combed in place and he wore just a button down shirt. No vest, cravat or jacket. She was growing accustomed to his casual appearance. There was something different about him. And she found herself leaning in a little. His smile was even more bright and she glanced at his lips.
There hadn't been much time to think about the kiss they shared several nights ago. It had happened so suddenly and his kidnapping had prevented any further thought of it. But now, with a moment to breathe, that kiss crept into the forefront of her mind. Every vivid detail of that night replayed in her mind. That night he smelled of fire and soot but now he smelled of cedarwood. A dark and woodsy scent. It was intoxicating. That night, his hands encased her cheeks and the way he tilted her head up then pressed his soft lips against hers. She remembered the faint sweet taste of brandy on his lips. It was tender. Familiar. Anna Maria blushed and broke away from staring at his face to her hands in her lap.
These thoughts about Diego – were they appropriate? Her face grew warm. What was it that she was feeling? Was it more than affection? Did he feel these same things? Afterall, he did kiss her. She knew he had a fondness for her but was it more than that? And what of her feelings? She had always considered him a close friend. But replaying their kiss in her mind was something more for than just a friend.
Familiar. There was a moment when she thought it was familiar. Why familiar?
Anna Maria stared endlessly at the wind gently blowing through a group of flowers. She wanted to talk about the kiss and if it meant anything. She wanted to know his innermost thoughts and feelings – but he had been through so much. She didn't want to burden him or embarrass him with questions.
She stifled a yawn behind her hand. Maybe she was tired. She truly did enjoy taking care of him but it was only until now did she realize how much it had exhausted her. It was a good exhaustion. She felt useful to someone. "Maybe you are right, Diego," she rose to her feet, "Oh, no. Please remain seated."
"Goodnight, Anna Maria."
"Is there anything I can do for you before I say goodnight?"
He rose smoothly to his feet and took her hand in his, "Gracias, no. Pleasant dreams."
Her cheeks grew warm again and she lost her breath. She lingered on his eyes. Those eyes. They pulled her in. Her lips parted but she composed herself. She smiled and nodded before ascending the stairs.
zzzzzzZZZZZZZzzzzzzz
The next morning, Doctor Moreno made a housecall to inspect his patient. They were in the sala with Alejandro close by and Anna Maria was a distance away seated at the couch. "You are healing nicely," he said as he changed the bandages. "Is there any unusual discomfort that has arisen?"
Diego shook his head as the physician applied medicine to a particular burn and then bandaged it, "No."
"What about any chills or sweats?"
Diego shook his head.
"Has the soreness gone?" He wrapped gauze around his young patient's torso.
"It is almost gone," for that Diego was glad. His full range of movement was almost back but a certain movement brought on a sudden twinge of pain. As impatient as he was to heal, he did not want to risk reopening a wound so he had erred on the side of caution.
"And his fever has not returned?" Moreno placed the back of his hand on the young man's forehead.
"No."
"This is good news." Moreno deposited the rest of his gauze in his medical bag and clasped it shut. "I expect a full recovery," he smiled at the elder don who breathed a sigh of relief.
"Gracias, my friend," Alejandro put out his hand and they shook.
"Do not do anything strenuous for the next couple of days. I do not want you reopening any of your wounds."
Diego nodded as he put on his shirt and buttoned it up. "Thank you, doctor."
"I will come back next week. Continue to change his bandages and send word if anything changes," he was guided by the elder don to the front door and Alejandro led him out onto the patio. The two older gentlemen continued to talk.
Diego stood and tucked in his shirt gingerly before turning around and facing Anna Maria who had now just stood from her position on the couch. He flashed a grin and displayed his hands, "Well, almost as good as new."
Anna Maria held back her tears. He was well, the doctor had said it. He was out of danger. "That is good news."
"You don't have to take care of me anymore," he approached her.
"I like taking care of you," she admitted as she adjusted his collar and smoothed his shirt.
"You have been a most excellent nurse," his voice softened.
Anna Maria caught his eyes and held them. Her lip quivered and she bit it. His gaze was strong. He needed to stop doing that. It was making her dizzy. Confused. She turned and walked to nowhere in particular. "It only took you getting injured to hear the frog story."
Diego gave out a hearty laugh. A twinge in his torso gave him pause but it wasn't anything he couldn't handle, "Let's not remind my father of that event. I don't need another admonishing."
"Deal." Anna Maria poured them some tea and gave him a cup. "For the remainder of my stay, allow me to only fuss over you a little. The least I can do for your hospitality."
Diego bowed his head and took the tea. "Anna Maria, I wanted to ask you. Rodrigo, did he ever mention a friend or a family member?"
"Let's not talk about that," Anna Maria didn't want to ruin the pleasant morning.
Diego wanted to press the issue but reluctantly bowed to her wishes. The two of them enjoyed the rest of the morning discussing his favorite books in the library. He went through their collection, reviewing or critiquing them. Anna Maria listened with raptured attention. As he spoke, he whisked her away into another world. A simpler one full of fantasy, fiction and romance. She blushed a little at a few of the poems he read to her, finding her heart connecting to the descriptive affectionate written words on the page.
It wasn't until after dinner did the back door open and Bernardo entered while they were having dinner. "Ah, Bernardo," he called out with a big grin and gestured for his servant to approach.
Bernardo bowed at the senorita and the haciendado. He then pointed to his master with a questionable look on his face. Diego signed that he was doing just fine then asked if Bernardo had eaten anything. The servant shook his head and was encouraged to have something to eat.
Before leaving, Bernardo caught eyes with Diego and gave a knowing look that they needed to talk soon. Diego nodded and let the man rest up and get refreshed.
After dinner, Alejandro had the pleasure of entertaining the senorita while Diego went to see about Bernardo. Diego found his servant now changed and refreshed, organizing the contents on top of his master's desk. Diego shut the door to his bedroom, "You are well, my friend?"
Bernardo nodded then pointed again to his master with a widened expression.
"The doctor was here today. I am on the mend," he displayed his arms and moved about, "I can move around easier," Diego playfully lunged as if holding a sword, "Good as new," he grimaced as he stood back up. "Almost as good as new. What have you learned about this accomplice, my friend?"
Bernardo pulled out a piece of paper. Diego unfolded it and read a name: Pineda.
"This was the name the accomplice used?"
Bernardo nodded telling of a tale how he found the accomplice's slip up at the antique shop. He found the salesman who had sold them their antiques who directed Bernardo to a landowner who directed him to a vaquero who told him to talk to a corporal. This corporal had once been in the army with Pineda. The corporal talked about having reunited with Pineda once and that he had teamed up with a cunning and devious character. The corporal prided himself with deciphering a man's character based on first impressions and did not like the man his old army buddy had teamed up with. That was the last time the corporal saw his old army friend.
"Pineda," Diego smacked the letter Bernado had given him. "It sounds familiar. But I cannot place it. I must talk with Anna Maria. Maybe sharing this information with her can spark her memory into giving us more details."
Bernardo made a swishing sound as he made the 'Z' with his finger.
"It has been a while since Zorro has made an appearance. I think it's time he updated her with this name."
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Anna Maria had said goodnight to her servant and sat next to the fire while reading a book. She hugged the shawl tighter around her shoulders as the night air was a bit chilly. She jumped from a tap at her window and her whole body trembled at the shadowy threat.
"Senorita Verdugo," a whisper called out.
Her fingers gripped the book. The voice. His voice. All her fears went away as she went to the window and let the masked man inside, "Zorro. It is good to see you. Much has happened."
"I heard about the young De la Vega's capture. How is he?"
"Much better. I was so worried. And I blame myself. The De la Vegas, they are too good. They are too kind. I fear I do not deserve their kindness," Anna Maria sat in the chair by the fire.
Zorro followed her and lowered to his knees, "The De la Vegas are a strong people. You shouldn't blame yourself."
"I do. I do blame myself."
"Blame Rodrigo. It is not your fault that he chose to target you. It is him that you should blame," Zorro took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze.
Without thinking, Anna Maria removed her hand from within his fingers. She took a step away and sat on the bed. "I know. Believe me, my blood boils with anger at what he has done not just to me but to Diego. He makes me so furious, I could scream. I am not a violent woman but, in his case I would make an exception."
Zorro stifled a smile. She was beautiful when she was angry.
"Do you have news?"
"A name. Pineda. That is his accomplice's true name."
Anna Maria thought long and hard, "It sounds familiar."
"This Pineda was in the army."
"Do you think they met in the army?"
Zorro shrugged, "I do not think so. Did Rodrigo ever mention serving time?"
"No, I cannot remember," she frowned, "Come to think of it, I don't remember him saying he was ever a soldier. Which is odd because I do remember wondering where he learned to fight. He was a skilled swordsman. He boasted of his victories. He reveled in championing many men in duels. His stories, they sounded like pass-times for him. Entertainment."
Zorro saw her face change as memories came to the surface. He stayed quiet.
Anna Maria rose to her feet, "that's where I remember the name. Once I happened upon him in a friendly duel. And his little friend was there. Pineda. He was a creepy little thing. I was uncomfortable just standing next to him. He leered at me with his beady little eyes. He introduced himself as Pineda. A look of panic crossed his face as he corrected himself and said his name was Piniella. I found it odd that he could forget his name but my attention went back to the climax of the duel ending with Rodrigo as the victor. And I forgot that little detail until just now," she met his eyes, "But there was something. A fleeting thought. I remember thinking - for a brief moment - of you."
"Of me? I am flattered."
"He was so fast. His precision. I'd never seen anything like it, except for you. And in that moment, I wondered if you could even beat him."
Zorro turned his gaze to the fire as memories flashed to the surface. His eyes grew wide with realization and then turned to pure rage. Anna Maria took a step back. This intense, menacing look in his eyes actually frightened her. She swallowed.
"Have I said something wrong?"
Zorro turned to her, his eyes full of fury. His nostrils flared and his lips were pencil thin. When he did open his mouth it was as if he was baring his teeth like a wild animal. "I know who this man is. And when I find him, I will kill him."
