Days later, Victoria found herself staring at the Los Angeles plaza for the first time since she had been injured. Her hair was pulled back into a neat clip in a hairdo that hid the shortened, dark, shaved section from view. She didn't much mind staring at short, dark, slightly curly hair, but she was conscious that others might mind the lack of uniformity very much.
She looked carefully around the pueblo, her eyes lighting first on the Alcalde's office with its green door, the wooden door to the cuartel, the blacksmith's shop, the mission with its tiny grape arbor, a plethora of houses, the tavern, The Guardian's office building, and the cuartel stables.
Well, Seņorita, does any of it look familiar?
Alejandro asked.
Victoria stared at everything again, then studiously
searched her memory for anything that wasn't foggy.
Unfortunately, while the hacienda had been familiar to her, the
pueblo was not. No, not a thing,
Victoria candidly
replied.
Alejandro growled low in his throat, and Diego put a calming
hand on his arm. It's all right, Father; Victoria's memory
might come back in time.
And it might not come back at all!
Alejandro growled
again. Then, he conceded, Well, I guess a lot of extremely
emotional things happened in this plaza - the firing squad that
killed her mother, the many visits paid by Zorro, the Alcalde
trying to kill the declared love of her life...
Diego and Victoria shared a glance. They had discussed the subject of Zorro several times in the past week after their initial conversation about the masked bandit, trying to figure out what was best to do about the outlaw concerning his relationship with Victoria, but they had hit a blank wall as far as the two adults were concerned. Even Felipe, who was holding the reins of the horse that was harnessed to the carriage they had all driven into the pueblo, was out of ideas. It seemed that no matter how they looked at the relationship between Zorro and Victoria, they always come up with plans that ended with Victoria at Zorro's side when she truly wished to be at Diego's side. It was maddening.
Um... yes, we get the picture,
Diego said to his
father, who had purposefully and simultaneously brought up all
the severely uncomfortable moments in Victoria's life in the hope
of shocking her into remembering something. He had been doing
the same thing the entire week, and both Diego and Victoria were
becoming inured to his pointed comments. But Diego would soon
have to mention to his father that the senior de la Vega's
strategy wasn't working, and was causing Victoria's memories to
grow more vague instead of clearer every time he mentioned
something emotional that had happened in her relatively short
life.
Diego quickly changed the subject to something that was
safer for all involved. Well, I have several things to do for
The Guardian before it comes out next week while the three
of you visit the tavern... I'll see you in an hour...
He
smiled at his father and winked at Victoria before wandering away
towards the newspaper office.
Well, shall we?
Alejandro invited when Victoria made
no move towards the tavern.
This will be an interesting afternoon,
Victoria
predicted under her breath as Alejandro led her to the porch that
bled into the business establishment that she owned, but didn't
remember. The inside was as bustling as it had been on the day
of her accident. If only she could recall anything about that
day...
Far stronger in her mind was the morning she had first tried to walk, with Diego's assistance. He had held both her hands lightly in his own as she had eagerly swung out of her bed. Amid stumblings, words of encouragement from Diego, and laughter from Victoria every time she did so much as lurch and lose her balance, she had managed to make it to the library, where she chose a book from the bookcase before turning back in the direction of her room. It was immaterial whether she read the book or not... What mattered was practicing to walk across the floor in bare feet. However, she was extremely glad when she was able to catch sight of her own bed again, and even though she enjoyed Diego's affectionate touch, she had never been so glad to sit down once more in her life! It was truly amazing how much muscle coordination such a simple thing as walking took, or how much muscle strength she had lost after only a few days in bed.
The tavern was full of patrons who instantly surrounded Victoria the second she walked in, asking her when she was going to return to work. She smiled and said she planned to try work that very day, news that made Sergeant Mendoza, at least, beam at her and bring her serving tray from the bar when she asked for it. In truth, Victoria only asked for the tray because she could see it, and it made sense that she would use one on a daily basis because she saw another woman, who turned out to work for her, carrying one just like it.
Tray in hand, Victoria wondered what she was supposed to do next, when she was approached by a gray-haired man who glowered at her as he cleared his throat.
Seņorita Escalante...?
he inquired, though his voice
came out in a far less inquisitive tone, and seemed to be much
more demanding. Instantly, Victoria felt a natural sense of
outrage grow inside her at his commanding tone, but she smiled
politely, turned away from the table where Alejandro had chosen
to sit, and regarded this unknown individual. Yes?
she
politely asked, then went on to inquire, Do I know
you?
The man with the gray hair seemed taken by surprise for a
moment, then recovered his former air of superiority. Um...
yes, Ignacio DeSoto, at your service...
Ahh!
Victoria drawled out. You're the
Alcalde!
Um... yes,
DeSoto repeated uncomfortably now that
Victoria had made it clear that she didn't remember him. He
plunged into his business with her anyway. Seņorita, perhaps
you know about the new law that requires marriage or...
Victoria cut him off, not caring how rude she was being.
Yes, Diego mentioned something about it.
DeSoto appeared a bit ruffled, but he went as as smoothly as
he could under the circumstances. Yes, well, I know that your
case is doubly strange, now...
Why do you say that?
she asked, genuinely
puzzled.
DeSoto shrugged. Well, because of your past relationship
with Zorro and...
Again, she interrupted him. I don't even remember Zorro,
Alcalde. So what's your point?
To herself, Victoria
wondered why she felt such animosity towards this particular
individual, and she endeavored to once again push the feeling
down deep inside herself. You do have a point, don't
you?
she asked, not in an unkind tone of voice.
For a moment, the Alcalde could do nothing but stare at her
in open astonishment. Then, he visibly gathered himself together
and continued, I just wanted to warn you that, in spite of
your individual situation, you should not expect to be exempt
from the new marriage law...
Oh, I don't expect to be, Alcalde,
Victoria said
brightly as she hurried to inform him, cutting him off once more
in her haste. Though I don't know who I plan to marry at this
point... who would take a woman who can't remember simple things
like the people she loves, for example..? I do plan to comply
with your law, however. I wouldn't want to find myself in a
fight against the government, after all.
Again, DeSoto regarded Victoria with barely disguised
amazement. Uhhh...
he said, and eventually had to shake
his head. Did I hear you right?
he asked next in obvious
incredulity. Did you say that you don't wish to fight the
government?
Well,
Victoria thoughtfully added, I may not
always agree with everything that government does, but the men in
the government seem to have our best interests at heart; I would
certainly not wish to oppose that best interest.
This statement did more than surprise DeSoto; he was nothing
less than stunned! Finally, he asked, Seņorita, are you sure
you're feeling all right?
Victoria brightened again; this, at least, was a
question that she understood how to answer. Oh, yes, Dr.
Hernandez took my stitches out just yesterday. Diego said that
I've recovered faster than even he expected!
DeSoto stared at Victoria for another moment, clearly
flummoxed. His look was followed by an expression of irritation
on his otherwise handsome face; it was well-known that he didn't
like surprises, and Victoria was surprising him every time she
said something that day. That's the second time you've
mentioned Diego with such familiarity... I don't wish to pry,
but... What's Diego to such a fiery woman as yourself? Doesn't
he seem to be a bit... boring... to you?
DeSoto
inquired.
Victoria laughed, something else that the Alcalde hadn't
been anticipating. Diego?
she asked, amused. Boring?
Of course I don't find him boring! What a funny thing to
ask!
DeSoto openly gaped at her, now. Uhh...
Alejandro spoke up, then, smiling quietly in enjoyment at
witnessing the Alcalde's obvious discomfort. Strange, isn't
it, Alcalde?
Still confused, the Alcalde turned from Victoria to stare at
Alejandro. What's strange?
he asked in a deadpan tone of
voice.
Alejandro nodded towards the seņorita. She is, that
someone could change so much at the loss of so few
memories...
DeSoto turned back to Victoria. Indeed,
he said
noncommittally. He continued to gaze at Victoria. Well,
Seņorita, whatever the case, please see that you comply with the
law in two weeks... I would hate to have to see you go to my
jail,
he ended.
Alejandro passed a hand across his face, hiding his
expression of disbelief. That would be a change,
he
muttered aside to Felipe, who sat across from him at the table.
Felipe grinned in amusement, but didn't gesture anything at the
Alcalde.
Unaware of Don Alejandro's remark, the Alcalde straightened
his military coat. Just know that you only have two more
weeks to comply with the King's new law, or I will be forced to
do my duty and arrest you, and I doubt Zorro would take
that in particularly good humor!
He chuckled at his
own joke. No one laughed with him, but everyone in the tavern
had their eyes stuck to the scene unfolding between the Alcalde
and the tavern owner.
Victoria smiled back, charming him with her grin. As you
say, Alcalde, but I doubt that Zorro, whoever he is, will be
nearly as upset about that as Diego would be.
DeSoto stared again. Pardon me, Seņorita, but you said
that you don't even remember Zorro?
he asked in
puzzlement.
Victoria smiled and shrugged. I'm sorry, but not a
bit.
DeSoto stared even more, his mouth hanging open now. At
last, he became aware that he was gaping, and asked, So, you
have no idea who he is?
Victoria seemed palpably surprised, herself, this time.
Why? Should I?
Uh...
the Alcalde stammered. Uhhh... no! No,
he said again. As far as I know, he never revealed his
identity to you.
Alejandro couldn't remain silent after that comment, and
said, Isn't that a shame? You'll have to look for someone
else to tell you who he is the next time he's in town.
Without even turning around, the Alcalde appeared decidedly
un-amused as he said, Don Alejandro, you may be one of
this pueblo's leading citizens and be held in great esteem by
most of the populace, but I'm warning you that I...
I meant nothing by my comment,
Alejandro said next,
clearly lying even as he spoke. I only meant that now you'll
have to rely on someone besides Seņorita Escalante to discover
Zorro's identity next time, that's all. Why, did I insult you or
your office? Oh, I merely meant to speak nothing but the
truth,
he smoothly said.
According to his dazed expression, the Alcalde could find
nothing outwardly wrong with this speech. Something felt awry to
him, clearly, but he didn't quite know why. Unable to fault such
a statement without further thought, he ended, I merely wish
to inform the Seņorita of the conditions of the law.
Oh, she's well aware of the law's conditions, thanks to
Diego, who kept Victoria highly apprised of this new situation,
though, thank you for your concern, Alcalde,
Alejandro
said.
Not at all,
added DeSoto for good measure, though he
wasn't entirely certain what he was agreeing to so politely. In
any event, he bowed and returned to his table, where his food
must have grown cold during his conversation with the seņorita,
though he chose not to complain.
Victoria wandered over to Alejandro's table, but didn't take
her eyes off the Alcalde. She warned in a whisper, If you are
not careful, Don Alejandro, you will be hung right next to Zorro
as a traitor.
Traitor's have to betray something first, Victoria,
Alejandro reminded her. And I simply made an error in
judgment,
he answered her.
She grimaced in an affectionate manner. Is that what
that was... an error?
Absolutely,
Alejandro replied, but winked sidelong at
Felipe. Now,
he said next, and turned back to Victoria,
what do you have to offer for lunch today?
Victoria wrinkled her nose. I don't know... what would
you like?
she asked in return.
Alejandro paused for a moment. Why don't you step into
the kitchen and ask?
he suggested.
That would probably be a good idea,
giggled Victoria.
I'll be right back.
She turned, but had to inquire,
gesturing at the kitchen curtains, That's the kitchen,
right?
Right,
Alejandro whispered back to her, but when she
disappeared through the curtain separating the kitchen from the
tavern's tap room, he looked at Felipe in consternation. Did
she actually giggle?
he asked.
Ten minutes later, Alejandro and Felipe had lunch... or, at least, they had something to eat set in front of them. Alejandro had ordered an enchilada, and gotten a burrito, while Felipe had indicated that he would take the stew, and ended up with the other entreé of the day, chicken con queso. Neither had utensils to eat with until they asked for them, neither had a drink until they asked for that, as well, and they chose to ignore the fact that they apparently had to do without bread that day.
Ten minutes later, a very flustered Victoria joined them at
their table. Clearly upset, she confided, I can't do
this!
Do what?
Alejandro asked.
Serve!
Victoria wailed, as if that explained all her
problems.
Alejandro tried to be patient and understanding, as Diego
had suggested, when he wasn't naturally a very patient or
understanding man. Give it some time, Victoria!
he
advised. Of course it's not going to be easy, but you'll get
the hang of it... you've been working at the tavern your entire
life, after all... you'll remember... eventually,
he ended,
aware of the hopelessness in his tone.
Victoria sighed. I don't think so, but if you
do...
I do,
Alejandro said with finality. Give it
another chance.
Victoria stared at him with a petulant, dark look on her
face. She never would have dared show her feelings so openly
before the accident. Diego wouldn't make me do it,
she
predicted.
Well, I'm not Diego,
Alejandro noted, his eyes cold
now.
That's obvious,
Victoria muttered, then covered her
whisperings with another bright smile. As you say, I'll give
it another try.
That's the spirit!
Alejandro enthused, attempting to
go along with her change of mind. I'm sure serving is like
anything else... it will get easier with practice.
But even
he sounded doubtful at the end of his statement.
Victoria covered her growl of dispute, but obligingly disappeared again into the crowd.
Fifteen minutes later, Diego walked in to the busy
establishment. He slid into the seat next to Felipe.
Hola!
he said. I'm starving after all that
work!
Oh, I'm sorry,
Alejandro said immediately.
Perhaps you should eat at home?
This comment stopped Diego from saying anything more.
Instead, he revised what he was going to ask, and inquired,
Why? Are things not going well?
Alejandro shrugged. Felipe shrugged. Next, Alejandro
sighed, You could say that...
Without preamble, Victoria slid into the empty seat next to
Alejandro and buried her face on her arms. I quit!
she
stated with finality. I'm not going back, and you can't make
me!
Alejandro softly commented, Well, at least that's a bit
of the old Victoria's spirit.
His shrug made his comment
into the remark of lost hope that it was.
Diego looked concerned as he reached across the table and
comfortingly touched Victoria on her elbow. Is everything all
right?
he asked solicitously.
No, everything is not all right!
Victoria spoke in
aggravation and into her arms. Then she lifted her head to
reveal her red face, and the straggly hair stuck to her sweaty
forehead. I can't remember orders, I don't know what all the
drinks are called, and I dropped two full plates in the kitchen
just now... what a mess!
Perhaps if you just give it some time...
Diego
implied, hoping to smooth away her troubled expression.
Victoria glared at him. Not you, too!
she exclaimed
in skepticism. No!
she said decisively. No! Even you
can't make me go back!
Diego was surprised at the vehemence of her vow. She hadn't
been this emotionally engaged since the day of the fight over the
new law. Calm down, Victoria, we'll work this out...
No,
Victoria declared. You can 'work this out'
all you want, but I am not becoming a serving wench
again...
Diego's face clouded over. Serving wench..? Who called
you that?
Victoria pointed into the corner. He did, that man you
say is the Alcalde... I may own this tavern, but I sure won't
put myself through this kind of... humiliation... every day just
to service the people in the tavern!
she decisively
said.
Without another word, Diego stood up and disappeared into
the crowd. A moment later, he reappeared at the Alcalde's table,
clearly had a conversation with him couched in low tones,
whereupon his face went from cloudy to thunderous. His voice
echoed throughout the room, then. No, she isn't, and if you
call her that again, expect to also be saying it to me as well!
We're not in Madrid, Alcalde, and you would do well to remember
that!
Then he stood, returned to the table and gestured at
the three people sitting, staring up at him in stunned silence.
I think we'd better leave the pueblo, now,
he said
quietly. Or else Zorro may not be the only man who
counts himself as an enemy of the Alcalde.
Alejandro rose, and so did Felipe and Victoria, who abandoned her tray where she had set it on the table top. Diego just barely touched her elbow again, but no one watching could mistake the sense of ownership that was emanating from him.
You won't get any argument from me,
Victoria said,
looking relieved to be allowed to leave. Except the Alcalde was
blocking their way out the front door. He looked as if he wasn't
through with his conversation with Diego.
I'll call anybody by the proper name describing
what they are!
he said to Diego as he pointed a finger at the
caballero's chest. And don't think that I could ever
confuse this measly little mudhole for Madrid... I can't!
But it was Victoria who responded by stepping in front of
Diego in a move that was clearly of protection and intimidation.
And how will your superiors like it if they know their high
and mighty alcalde from Los Angeles is terrorizing a citizen with
obvious memory loss, Alcalde?
she asked loudly, not at all
afraid for herself in her challenge of the governmental man.
I'm sure they would much appreciate being informed of
that, wouldn't they?
She had to adjust the balance of
her feet, then, or she would have gone on in the same vein as she
had already established. Now, please, move aside before I
have you thrown out of my tavern... I may no be able to serve in
it particularly well anymore, as you so kindly pointed out a few
minutes ago, but I still own the place!
DeSoto heaved in an angry inhalation of air. You just
make sure you comply with that new law, Seņorita, or we'll be
seeing more of each other than either of us wants! You have two
weeks!
With that statement, he left the tavern in a swirl of
fury.
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