PART 3

Waking up to the sound of the horses leaving the cuartel, the Alcalde jumped out of bed and headed for the door, not even realizing he was still in his pajama.

Sergeant Mendoza! He shouted just as the men were leaving.

What happened, Alcalde? The Sergeant replied as awoken from a dream.

I...I just got news the bandits are no longer there, Sergeant. You may return to the cuartel for your breakfast! And come to my office afterward!

Si, Alcalde! Mendoza replied with enthusiasm and signaled for the men to return.

Putting on his best suit, the Alcalde was waiting for Mendoza to come to his office after lunch.

Alcalde? May I come in? Asked Mendoza

Yes, yes, of course, you may, Sergeant! Tell me, Mendoza, you are a good friend of the De la Vegas, aren't you?

I do consider them my friends, Alcalde!

Good! Good! Then you must know Diego rather well.

Don Diego, Alcalde?

Si Mendoza! Diego de la Vega. You know him well, don't you? You consider him a friend, don't you?

I...I do believe so, Alcalde.

Good to know! Very good, Sergeant. Now, I have good news for you, Mendoza! You will get to spend Christmas with your friends. And so will I! Saddle the horses, Sergeant, we are going to the De la Vegas!

ZZZZZZZZ

The delicious odors of Maria's food engulfed the Hacienda. When, to everyone's surprise, the Alcalde and Sergeant Mendoza arrived, Don Alejandro, Diego, Felipe, Victoria, Padre Benitaes, Dona Catalina and Don Pedro (Don Alejandro's friends from Santa Barbara who had arrived the evening before to spend the holidays) were just about to sit and enjoy their lunch.

Sergeant! Alcalde! Greeted Diego at seeing them. I thought you would not be able to make it!

Change of plans, Diego! Replied the Alcalde. Turnes out we were not as busy at the cuartel as I had previously thought. And I am also given to understand Zorro prefers to spend his Christmas indoors rather than disturbing the peace.

Really? And how do you know that, Ignacio? Diego asked wondering as to the meaning of the Alcalde's words.

Let's just say I have my sources! He answered. Are you going to invite us in?

"What sources?"Diego wondered

Yes, of course! Please come in! You arrived just in time. We were about to sit for lunch! Answered Diego, opening the door wide for the two men to enter.

Alcalde De Soto! Sergeant! Exclaimed Don Alejandro at seeing the men. We were not expecting to see you here but you are most welcome, senores! Please, come! Eliodor! Maria! Please set the table for two more guests!

Si patron! Eliodor replied and rushed to bring two more chairs while Maria took care of the extra plates, glasses and silverware.

The conversations over lunch focused mainly on the situation in Spain and in the colonies, many of which were declaring their independence. The topic then shifted to some plans the Padre had for the Mission and the school. Finally, it shifted again to Zorro and his latest deeds, among which capturing a the criminals plundering the farmers East of the pueblo and uncovering a plot to poison the Pueblo's main water supply.

Tell me, Diego, asked the Alcalde, what is your opinion of our masked friend? I don't think I have ever heard you express it!

I wasn't aware you considered him a friend, Alcalde! Diego replied

It is just a figure of speech! Of course that bandit is not my friend! The Alcalde clarified

He is not a bandit either! Protested Victoria

Senorita, I understand you are, for some reason, in love with him and that he promised to reveal his identity to you when he would no longer put you in danger - although I wouldn't count on that day ever coming - but the man has a price on his head for a reason! Replied the Alcalde

"How does he know that? Was he listening in to our conversation last night? I must be more careful in visiting her!" Diego asked and counseled himself

Of course there is a reason for that, Alcalde! Victoria replied annoyed. Even more than one. Standing up for the people, saving those in need and not putting up with tyranny! Those are the reasons!

Perhapse...Perhaps we can discuss these matters at another time? Diego felt the need to intervene sensing the Alcalde might soon decided to arrest Victoria. It is Christmas and Zorro is a rather controversial character. I am sure we each have a different opinion about him and his actions. How about we change the subject towards something more pleasant?

That is an excellent idea, son! You know, Pedro was just telling me that the parents of his daughter's friend, Maria Antonia de Murieta - is it?- have just bought a hacienda near Los Angeles.

Indeed so, Alejandro! Maria Antonia is a beautiful young senorita, Diego! His uncle, Don Pedro was happy to inform him. It will be my pleasure to introduce the two of you! You might...help her accommodate herself with the pueblo, nephew! Make her feel at home!

And before you protest, Diego, as I see you are about to do, I just want to mention there is no pressure, son! But God knows I have not given up hope of having those grandchildren, Diego, however thin my patience may be right now! Added Don Alejandro making everyone at the table blush and smile at seeing Diego's embarrassed look.

Yes, indeed! The Alcalde tried to join in the conversation. Tell me, Diego, during our time in Madrid I heard a rumor about you being in love with someone in California. What happened with the senorita in question? How come you did not marry her yet?

"She is standing right before you, Alcalde and has no idea that she is engaged to me because your actions force me to live a double life. How in the world do you know about her, anyway? I only told Emmanuel and I would bet my life he told no one!" Diego thought.

Really, Alcalde? Asked Don Alejandro surprised. Diego never told me about such a creature! Where is she, son?

"Sitting right next to you, Father" Diego would have wanted to scream

Father, you hardly imagine a woman would wait four years for a man to return from the other side of the world, do you? Moreover, I doubt she would even recognize me if she'd be looking directly at me right now! Answered Diego, trying his best to remain calm.

But who was she, Diego? Asked Victoria gazing right at him.

"You! Just you! And, in spite of a moment of weakness, always you" His heart silently answered for him.

What does it matter? Furthermore, I do believe I had suggested for us to find a pleasant topic of conversation! Begged Diego

How about your fencing lessons, in that case? Asked the Alcalde. Why don't you tell us all about them?

Diego's fencing lessons? Asked Don Alejandro as Diego was becoming sure that the Alcalde had somehow come upon the idea that he is Zorro and was just testing him.

You took fencing lessons, Don Diego? Asked Mendoza

Yes, Sergeant! Answered Don Alejandro. For all the good they did! When Diego left for Spain I arranged for him to take fencing lessons with...

I barely had a skill for it, Sergeant! Diego cut in. And, as I told my father, I certainly never intend to kill anyone!

You are modest, son! Don Alejandro interveened. I know how poor your skills were when you returned from Spain but I saw you...

Father, do you truly want to dive into those memories? Begged Diego. This is really not a chearful topic! How about some Christmas carols instead? I could play the piano and Victoria has a beautiful voice for singing!

That is a very good idea, Diego! Agreed Victoria

Yes, well, before ...that, might I have a word in private, Don Diego? Asked De Soto

Of course, Alcalde! Diego accepted intended on finding out exactly what the man knew and how much did he suspect. Why don't we go to the library?

After you, senor! Replied the Alcalde

Well, asked Diego once they got there, making sure he was close to hif father's ceremonial sword, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?

I was wrong about you, Diego! A mistake I don't intend to perpetuate. Started Ignacio de Soto.

"Wrong about me? Does he know I am Zorro?" Diego wondered

I have to admit you have more backbone than I thought you did, senor!

"He knows!" Diego was certain

I did remember that Christmas party you mentioned yesterday and, I may not like to admit it, but I believe I owe you an apology.

An appology, Alcalde? Asked Diego evermore confused

Yes...You see, when I saw Senorita Rafaela talking to you that night, I thought you had been trying to court her. I know now - don't ask me how - that you behaved like a true gentleman and...colleague and turned down her advances! I mean, really, Diego, sore muscles from your fencing classes? My sister could have come up with a better excuse than that!

And I know you see me as...a friend, probably even more so since I saved your life. I might not share the feeling but I do understand why you harbor it! That is, however, no reason to sacrifice yourself to save me, do you understand?

"Less and less but go on..." Thought Diego

I am perfectly able to take care of myself, senor, the Alcalde continued, so make sure you concentrate on...whatever you do, and leave me to take care of myself!

Oh, and Don Diego, I do believe you should pick up a hobby, you know? Better your medical knowledge, for example! You are spending an awful amount of your time in the tavern when you should be more productive! A pillar of this community! Someone on who people can rely on!

I will consider your advise, Alcalde. Was all Diego could utter.

Well, this being said, De Soto concluded just as the rest of the guests were coming in to sit in the room where the piano was, since I am not exactly fond of caroling, I believe it is time to take my leave. Sergeant, I expect you to the cuartel by six! Thank you for the invitation, Don Alejandro. Have a good afternoon senores, senoras!

What in the world was that all about, Diego? Asked Don Alejandro, who overheard the last part of the converstion, after the alcalde walked out the door.

I don't know, father! The man sometimes makes absolutely no sense to me! Answered Diego trying to absorb the Alcalde's monologue and mentally taking out the elements that made some sense, in order to try to understand the rest.

ZZZZZZZZ

The ideas cleared for the Alcalde the moment he saw the tomb of Doctor Hernandez, in the cemetery the third Ghost showed him, dead but a few days after Diego. He finally understood: with the Doctor dead, all his patients needed someone else to help them. His lancers needed a person able to deal with bullet wounds and he, himself, might get injured, so, therefor, a man of medicine was paramount to the pueblo. In his absence they would all surely die, hence the number of new graves. Diego de la Vega was already a man of medicine so, the Alcalde thought, if he made sure to keep him alive, he would keep himself alive as well.

"He might be a nuisance, the Alcalde thought, but I can find some good use for him yet! And let's make a mental note not to think of any trap for Zorro during the next two...maybe three months!"

He never listens! Said Nicolas, invisible floating over Ignacio.

No, he doesn't! Francisca agreed.

But, at least, he's on the right track. Said the third ghost taking down the hood and proving to be Diego's mother, Elena.