Chapter Two
San Pedro, Alta California
Señora Helena disembarked from the ship with a feeling of relief. She had been pleased with herself for not succumbing to anything as unladylike as seasickness, but she was glad to be off of the ship nevertheless. Traveling by ship was faster than traveling by coach and that was the only reason she had decided to leave the comfort of terra firma and sail the ocean. She had been able to arrange things so that she was a week earlier in arriving in San Pedro than she had told Don Luís that she would be.
San Pedro was a dusty little sea town, looking just as she had expected. Her ship was the only one at the dock, and only a few fishing boats were drawn up on the beach. The people were going about their business and no one paid much attention to her as she walked over to a small shop that had a canopy that would keep her out of the sun. She had brought two personal servants with her and Rudolfo, who would act as coachman, butler, and bodyguard. He was over six feet tall and quite strong even though he had been with her for many years. She did not think anyone would bother her with him around. Rudolfo was seeing to the off loading of her baggage into the carriage he had engaged. Contessa and Bonita were standing close by, offering their advice on how their lady’s things should be arranged. Rudolfo took it all with a longsuffering look on his face.
From around the corner of the street, an open carriage pulled up at the dock. She immediately recognized Don Luís. He was slumped against the carriage seat with his head back and eyes closed.
Two other men were with him. Señora Helena walked over to the side of the carriage for a better look. She was able to observe that Don Luís had his right arm in a sling and that he looked as though he was in a lot of pain. His mustache was definitely drooping. One of the two men saw her and immediately bowed and said, “Señora Del Fuego. What a pleasant surprise.” He was Carlos Montez, a friend of Don Luís. At these words, Don Luís opened his eyes and looked at the señora. He closed them again as if she was the last thing in the world he had wanted to see. She remained by the carriage, just looking at the younger man. Finally, he roused himself to speak to her.
“Señora Del Fuego. I had not expected to find you here so soon. I was just about to embark on this ship to return to Mexico City,” he said in a tight voice.
“I am pleased that I was able to see you before you left, Don Luís,” she said. “I notice that you have met with some . . . mishap. May I inquire as to the cause of your injury?” She was fairly certain she knew the answer, but waited patiently for Don Luís to answer. She carefully schooled her face to show friendly concern.
Don Luís started to reply, but then shrugged and waved his good arm in disgust. He turned his face away. Montez answered for him. “It was Zorro, Señora. Don Luís cornered him in the pueblo and challenged him to fight. At first, Zorro did not want to, but Don Luís insulted him which only made the bandit laugh. Then Don Luís made some remarks about Zorro’s mother and I could tell that his honor would not let him laugh that off. The fight was very short, Señora. Don Luís was the best swordsman I had ever seen until I saw Zorro. He took no time at all to pierce Don Luís’ shoulder and disarm him. He warned him to leave Los Angeles and never to return, and he made him apologize for the insults. We left the next morning and came here to San Pedro to wait for the ship.”
“So the land belongs to you now, Señora Del Fuego,” said Don Luís finally meeting her eyes. “You can pick up the deed when you return to Mexico City. I would recommend that you return on the ship with me. There is nothing that you can do to capture that bandido. You can’t use a sword and you can’t charm him into removing his mask, so you might as well save yourself the trip.” He winced as his arm pained him.
“Well now, my dear Luís, I never expected to use a sword in the first place, and as far as using my charm on him, we will see. I still plan to hold up my end of the wager and learn Zorro’s identity. If I do not, then you will gain five thousand pesos, so I would think that you would want me to at least try would you not?” She watched for his reaction.
He shook his head and said, “As you wish, Señora. You may stay or go, it does not matter to me. All I know is that I am getting on that ship and going home. I never want to see this miserable part of the world again.” He gestured to his companions and said, “ Carlos, help me down.” Carlos and the other man jumped to help Don Luís get out of the carriage and they walked slowly toward the ship without a backward glance.
Señora Helena laughed to herself. The younger man had learned a lesson the hard way. It was one thing to boast, it was another thing to actually carry it out. Perhaps he would be more careful in the future. Then she sobered. She was herself here to carry out a boast of sorts, no matter that it had been thrust upon her. She had declared that she could unmask Zorro. Now it was up to her to accomplish that. She turned to see if Rudolfo was finished with the loading of the baggage and was pleased to see that he was. He came to escort her to the carriage.
“Don Luís seemed to be in some discomfort, Señora,” he said as he helped her into the carriage. Was he hurt badly?” The two women already in the carriage listened intently for the answer.
“No, Rudolfo,” she replied. “I believe his wound will heal without any complications, but his pride was severely injured. I do not know how well that will heal. Now let us get to Los Angeles without further delay. Already the morning is far spent.” Rudolfo bowed and climbed into the driver’s seat and set the horses in motion. They went along at a good pace and she thought that they should reach Los Angeles in the early afternoon. She sat back and looked out at the countryside. This was the land that Zorro inhabited. It had a wild beauty that she appreciated. It was spring, and the colorful wild flowers were rampant and the hills were green with new grass. She could see that this was good country for a bandido to hide in because of all the rocks, hills, and trees. Eluding pursuers would be much easier here than in the countryside around Mexico City.
Señora Helena knew that she had to use every bit of information that she could get in order to accomplish her task. So she studied the land and every hacienda or cottage that she passed, including an old, abandoned winery; committing them to memory. She had her story all worked out that she would use to disguise her real intent and had schooled her servants to follow along. They were loyal to her and she had no concerns that they would give her away. Bonita was young enough to see it all as a great adventure and Contessa was old enough to be cautious. Rudolfo was able to take it all in stride. He had worked for Señora Helena long enough to be aware of her abilities, so he did what he was told and let her take care of everything else.
Finally, they topped a hill and they were able to see Los Angeles in the distance. It was another dusty pueblo, somewhat larger than San Pedro, but no more remarkable. She could just make out the church bell tower from this distance. It would take them a little while longer before they reached the town proper and she would be able to take a room at what ever passed for an inn and refresh herself. She was looking forward to it.
