Here it is! The LAST CHAPTER! I thank you all for all your support! It was so much fun to write and thank you for reading it!

Chapter 14 The Letter

When morning came, the news spread wildly that the serial killer had been found and killed. The details were still a mystery but many whispered tales of their own versions and Zorro was the victor.

Morales was in his office with Padre Felipe when Sergeant Garcia poked his head inside, "You wanted to see me, mi capitan?"

"Yes, come in. Sit down," he gestured for the sergeant to sit then he held up a letter, "This just arrived this morning and I was telling the Padre about it," he handed it to the officer who unfolded it. "It's contents are very interesting."

Sergeant Garcia read aloud, "Alano Hernan Juan Galindo is a fugitive from the law and is wanted dead or alive. Is this-?"

"Our elusive Padre Ernesto. Apparently he was a part of another group that opposed Spain, much like the one you went through with the Eagle. Trying to finish what his uncle started – something like that. The group was found out and he ran, killing several people in the process. He spent some years in Asia hiding, concluding where he learned how to fight what we witnessed last night. He was seen on one of the merchant ships several months ago and they had been sending these warnings out," he shook his head.

"What shocks me is that he was such a good priest. He was so good with the children and the Indians, he was a real God send. To think that such a man was only here for revenge. I never saw it," the padre shook his head.

"He has been here for six months and I didn't see it either," Morales stated.

"Well, you shouldn't have to suspect a priest, mi capitan," Sergeant Garcia tried to console his superior.

"If only I had gotten this news sooner; lives would have been saved."

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Diego blinked his eyes open to Alejandro and Bernardo staring down at him, "How long have you been staring at me?"

Alejandro huffed, "How come you never told us you came back?! We were worried sick!"

Diego looked down and saw he was still in his black trousers and shirt in his bed. "I must have fallen asleep before finishing undressing," he thought aloud.

"I nearly had a heart attack seeing you like that again," Alejandro crossed his arms over his chest, "We heard that the serial killer was killed and that everything was fine now."

Diego sat up slowly and let Bernardo to check the bandages, "Hoping I only have a few new bruises to add to my collection," he stood when Bernardo nodded, indicating he had not opened any wounds. "Those martial arts books came in handy, my friend," Diego smiled as he patted Bernardo on the shoulder.

"Well, you will probably feel much better once you have a chance to wash and have some breakfast," Alejandro put hand on his son's shoulder, "I am proud of you, my son," he turned to leave.

"Thank you, Father," Diego slowly removed his shirt as Bernardo pulled out a change of clothes and laid them on the bed, "It is strange, Bernardo. I feel like I can do anything. I was absolutely terrified last night, but I overcome my fear and it's strangely enlightening. It reminded me of when I was a little boy and I was terrified of the dark. My father said something that completely changed my whole perspective on what scared me. I guess I needed reminding of that and last night I did."

Bernardo helped his master change, shave and wash his hair. Diego looked at himself in the mirror. He looked exhausted but the bruising was no longer visible. He almost looked himself. Bernardo flashed a toothy grin which made Diego smile. "You have been a comfort, Bernardo, and I thank you for all you've done for me."

Bernardo made a goofy, sheepish grin.

Diego sighed, "I'm going tell her, Bernardo. I'm going to tell her everything. And that I love her."

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Diego rode the buggy into the pueblo, he still could not handle the rough ride of a horse. He entered the Inn and caught Maria, the serving maid, "Maria, is the Senorita Verdugo upstairs?"

The petite black haired waitress grinned and pulled out a note from her apron, "The senorita told me to give this to you, Don Diego," she then retreated back into the kitchen.

He opened the note, read it, then exited.

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Diego came to a halt at the shaded trees where Diego and Anna Maria had had their picnic a week ago. He stepped down from the buggy and saw Anna Maria leaning against a slanted tree trunk.

"Anna Maria, I got your note. I am glad you wanted to talk before you left for Monterey."

"I trust you are feeling better, Diego?" Anna Maria grinned up at him.

"Yes, thank you. From your note, I gather you had something to say, but if you would not mind letting me go first. Anna Maria, there is something that I must explain to you. First, I don't want you to think that I broke your trust or confidence in me," he shuttered a nervous breath, "when you asked me to give that letter to Zorro – you – I did. I am Zorro."

Anna Maria grew a soft smile, "I know."

"What?" That was not the response he had been preparing for.

"At first, I didn't. I will admit, I was hurt and felt betrayed when I found the letter," she lowered her head, "I was going to tell you – how I felt about you, then I found it."

Diego caught his breath, she did have feelings for him too.

"I spent some time alone and in my anger, I started thinking about our time together in Monterey, and my time with Zorro. Diego's concern and protectiveness for me was deep and resembled Zorro's. I slowly began to piece things together: absences and excuses that did not add up. Not to mention your injuries, which were not of someone who had been thrown from a horse. Then," she looked up at him, "that last time I saw Zorro, do you remember when I asked Zorro if I would ever see his face? Do you remember your answer?"

Diego nodded, "You have only to look about you."

"I didn't understand it at the time. I didn't understand it until a yesterday. I was coming to talk to you about it when that man intercepted me on the road. My suspicions were confirmed when that man said he hurt Zorro. You were the only one who showed signs of serious injuries," she shook her head, "I cannot imagine the suffering you went through," she paused, then gasped, "I just realized something else. I remember puzzling over your absence the day Zorro was offered amnesty."

Diego looked guilty and pulled on his ear, "My father, he strongly persuaded me from going. He felt Zorro was still needed."

Anna Maria giggled, "I agree," she became serious, "In a way I am glad he stopped you. At first, I did not understand, but looking back, we both weren't ready. I had some growing to do and you, you were still needed here. I needed to grow out of loving Zorro. Maybe that is why I hesitated when Zorro kissed me a few nights ago."

Diego's heart skipped a beat. She did pull back. "You did?"

Anna Maria shook her head, "It didn't feel right. It wasn't the right man. It wasn't the right time."

He hesitated, "Is it the right time now?"

She grinned coyly and traced the embroidery on his lapels. He took her head in his hands and tilted her face up as he bent down to kiss her. Diego kissed her.

"Anna Maria, would you consider staying a few more days in Los Angeles?"

A playful grin appeared on her face, "Father already left for Monterey."

He smiled and kissed her again.

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