AN: Sorry it took so long, but I'm moving at the moment and didn't have a lot of free time. I doubt it, but I hope the next chapter will be up quicker. ;-)

Chapter 6

Victoria didn't sleep well that night, she was twisting and turning, wondering about where to start looking. The hide out could be anywhere, she had no idea where. These thoughts were giving her a headache. She got out of bed and walked through the tavern, and made a small sigh. The clock pointed at three in the night and she wasn't sleepy. She walked to the kitchen en gathered some items to clean, at least she would do something useful, besides she had no idea what else to do. After cleaning she started to prepare for breakfast, she glanced at the clock and saw it was still a while till opening. She looked outside and saw a few people all ready on the street. She walked to the door and opened it, she decided since there were people on the street she might as well open early. It would keep her occupied and everything was ready anyway. She sat down on the porch and it didn't take long for the first customer to come in.

xxx

Diego entered Felipe's bedroom and woke him up. He didn't get any sleep because of his anxiety for today.

After a few shakes Felipe finally woke up and looked at Diego. He wanted to know what on earth he was being pulled out of bed for. After dressing he followed Diego to the cave, he was still tired after the day before. But it was one of the best days of his life. When Diego told him about the alcalde, he wanted to see for himself. And then he had to release the alcalde, and had some fun of his own. Even though the alcalde was swearing the entire ride back and using profanities he never heard of, he found the ride most enjoyable. And when he came back he relayed the story to Diego.

Now he was pulled out of bed and brought to the cave, he looked at Diego and wanted to know what it was this time.

Diego started explaining a few things, but it only confused him more. He looked at Diego, “Are you planning to repeat yesterday? Perhaps this time you should invite the alcalde.” Felipe smirked.

“Very funny, Felipe. Just do what I told you.” Diego smiled.

Felipe nodded and started on his assignment, while Diego took his leave.

Diego returned upstairs and headed for the dining room, to his surprise his father wasn't there yet. He walked to the kitchen and found Maria making coffee.

“Maria, could you make breakfast for me? I'm famished.”Diego asked.

Maria started turning around while answering, “Sí Don Aleja..”. She suddenly saw Diego instead of Alejandro. “No offense señor, what would you like Don Diego?” She asked kindly.

“None taken, just breakfast and a cup of coffee, por favor.” He kindly replied. He walked back to the dining room and sat down behind the table, it didn't take long before Maria brought him his breakfast. He started eating and drank his coffee while waiting for his father to come.

He had almost finished his breakfast when he saw his father enter the room. Diego found his father looking fatigued and exhausted.

Alejandro walked in the room and sat down at his usual spot and yawned a bit. He rubbed his eyes and looked around, he saw Maria entering the room.

“Maria, could you get breakfast for me?. Alejandro asked.

“Off course señor.” She walked back in the direction and stopped in the doorway. She looked at Diego and wondered if he would like another drink.

“Señor, would you like another cup of coffee?”She kindly asked Diego.

Before Diego could answer his father all ready did.

“Another? I haven't had the first one yet.” Alejandro asked amazed.

Maria looked at him, “I didn't mean you patron. I meant your son.”

Alejandro looked up and saw Diego sitting and smiling in a chair across him, how could he not have noticed, he wondered.

“Sí, por favor.” Diego replied Maria's question. “Father how are you this morning?” He asked smiling.

Alejandro looked shocked. How could he be here before me? And by the looks of it, he has been here a while all ready. Alejandro was lost in thoughts and almost forgot to answer his sons question.

“I'm fine Diego..., how are you this early in the morning?” He glanced at the clock, making sure he wasn't the one who had overslept. To his surprise he saw the clock pointing at a quarter past five, he hadn't mistaken the time.

“Couldn't have been better!” Diego replied very enthusiastic. He needed to keep his father out of the hacienda today, and started with his plan to keep him out for the rest of the day. He looked at his father and saw he was still rather confused by his early attendance.

“You know father, yesterday I had a really good day with the fencing lessons and thought why not show you some of the moves I have learned. Considering you are busy during the day and need to relax during the evening, I thought we do it in the morning, before you start to work.” Diego saw his father lighten up and widen his smile.

“Diego, how I've longed for this day! After breakfast I'll get two rapiers and you can show me what you have learned!” A delighted Alejandro responded.

In the meanwhile breakfast had been served and Diego watched his father eating rapidly.

xxx

Right after breakfast Alejandro collected the rapiers, eager to see his sons improvements. Since Felipe told him about the lessons nearly a week ago, he wanted to see it with his own two eyes. He only had a glimmer once, during the fight with Risendo. Now he was going to see, what his son could do. He walked to the garden, where there should be sufficient room and Diego was waiting for him there.

“Diego, I hope you're ready for this!” Alejandro smiled, he hadn't felt this happy in years.

Diego saw his father beaming with joy and a part of him wanted to do this, if only to make those horrible rants from his father stop. He looked up, “I am ready father.” He also knew he had to make sure that his father was delayed for work. His father had to be out of the hacienda this afternoon. He couldn't afford it if he came in and started yelling his name. He felt bad in a way for having to do this, again he had to deceit his father, by keeping him occupied long enough, to make sure he fell behind with work.

He sighed and made a salute, his father nodding his approval. They took the en guard position and Alejandro was the first to attack. Diego decided to let him come and just block the attacks. His father kept on attacking and Diego saw his father started to get tired of it, he decided to take over the attack and made to most simple ones he knew, to make sure his father would be able to block them.

Alejandro smiled during the match, he saw his attacks being block no mather what he tried. He started to feel a bit tired and backed up when Diego made a surprise lunge at him, he hadn't anticipated it and retreated. He did manage to block the attacks, but he knew he wouldn't keep up at this rate. He had to give his son credit, he might not be able to make difficult moves, but at least he knew how to defend himself.

Diego noticed his exhausted father and by the rising sun surmised that they had been fencing for quite some time now. He thought that it had been enough now and disarmed his father using simple parry. His father was too tired to block it anymore.

“Well son, that was pretty good. It wasn't the best I've ever seen, but that will come in time.” Alejandro complimented his son.

Diego smiled, but was still feeling guilty for not being able to show his true talents. “Father, why don't we go inside and get a drink.” Diego asked.

“Sí, I could use it.” Alejandro admitted. He patted his son on the shoulder and they both walked back in.

xxx

His father left him in the dining room not long ago, cursing on his way out. Diego couldn't have felt better, his distraction worked and his father had been delayed for over an hour. His plans for today were dangerous and he didn't need any surprises. He walked to the fireplace and pressed the switch, he walked down the steps and saw Felipe had left. Diego looked around and saw that Felipe had followed his instructions well. He couldn't find a trace that could possibly lead to him, the only thing that could have messed it up was his father if he came home and called for him. That would have sounded through the walls, he couldn't afford it and had taken care of it. He walked back upstairs and decided to get some sleep.

xxx

Victoria never thought about opening early, but she never had this many customers for breakfast before. She might do it more often, thinking, she found she most probably had to thank the alcalde for it. When he was asleep, the poorest people could pass the town without having to pay another tax, which was most probably the reason for the extra clientèle. Most of the customers were the ones she hardly saw and was glad that she opened early, now they had a decent meal as well. She would start to prepare for lunch soon, but was wondering if it wasn't better to start looking for her destination for this afternoon. She had no idea where to start looking, how come Zorro was so sure she would find it? She wouldn't find it without help and was hoping she would find someone who could give her some advice. She made her way to the kitchen and started for lunch, lost in thoughts.

xxx

It was time for lunch and Victoria saw Diego and Felipe entering the tavern. Perfect, I can trust Diego with anything!, she thought. She walked towards them. “Diego could I ask you something, in private?” She added when seeing Felipe, she knew he couldn't hear, but she didn't want him to read her lips either. This was to delicate and she wanted to make sure no one knew about this.

“Off course, Victoria.” Diego answered and followed her to the kitchen. He looked at Felipe and shrugged. “Victoria, what is it, is something wrong?” He asked concerned.

“Nothings wrong, but you know about the meetings with Zorro and now I have a small problem.” She quietly said. “He wants me to meet him at his hideout.” She said looking at Diego.

“That's great isn't it, you would finally know where to find him if you need him, so what's the problem then?” He asked her.

“I have no idea where to start looking for it, and he keeps on saying that I will find it on my own.” She whispered.

“He must have planned something to lead you there then.”

“He must have, but he isn't coming here to pick me up and he refused to tell me where to start looking. I was there once but unconscious when I came there and when I left.” She admitted.

“What was the last place you remember being before you lost conscious, it can't be too far from there.” Diego hinted.

He saw Victoria lighten up and smiling widely.

“That's it! That's where I should start1 Thank you Diego! But don't tell anyone about this, you're the first one I've told that I've been there once before.” She pleaded.

“You can trust me Victoria, now what do you have for lunch?” He asked smiling.

Victoria smiled back, “I'll give you something special for your good advice!” She waved him out of her kitchen and turned around.

xxx

It was nearly siesta and Victoria was staring at her remaining customers. She wanted them to leave and after a few minutes announced that she was closing. It didn't take long to clean up and before she knew it, she was on her way.

During the ride she looked around maybe seeing him somewhere in the distance to guide her, but he was nowhere in sight. She continued and after half an hour, she arrived at the place she last remembered. Memories took over, when she remembered that day, she walked to the spot where she jumped off the cart that day. Looking around she didn't see anything out of the ordinary. Knowing the bandidos came from that direction she knew he must have carried her down the slope, she carefully climbed down and heard a horse in the distance, she noticed the sound coming from below her and decided to go down a bit further. The sound became more clear, and she knew she must be getting close. She continued to follow the noise and around a corner saw Toronado standing by, attached to his saddle was a note.

Querida,

I can't be here to take you, and send Toronado instead.

Good luck,

Z

Victoria frowned, good luck? What's that supposed to mean? She walked to Toronado as she had done a few times before when Zorro was there with her, but this time Toronado backed up. She tried a few more times, but the horse wouldn't let her near him. She sat down, good luck indeed, she thought. She stood back up after a few minutes and tried again, getting the same result. This is getting ridicules! She thought. She stood in front of Toronado and placed her hands in her sides. “Toronado, get here this instant!” She started yelling. “NOW!” Nothing, the horse wouldn't come near her. She was getting frustrated and when she wanted to make a move towards Toronado she brushed her hand passed the black pouch he had given her a few days earlier. Off course! He knew Toronado wouldn't let anyone near him. The oats! She got the pouch and opened it, letting the oats fall on her hand. Slowly she held out the hand to Toronado who kept still this time, slowly she made a step forward and Toronado nickered but kept standing still. This is more like it. Holding the hand in front of her, slowly Toronado mad ea small step forward. Just a little further... Toronado made a few more steps and reached her hand and started to eat. Good boy... Victoria walked towards the saddle keeping her hand out to Toronado. Finally she had reached the saddle and could mount. After adjusting the saddle a bit, she had to make a little jump to get onto the saddle, but once on Toronado she felt great.

Toronado started to walk and Victoria let him go, hoping he would go in the right direction.

It took twenty minutes, but she reached an open space and Toronado walked towards a rock, while doing so she felt the right from hoof sink down a bit and in front of her a doorway opened. How... Toronado walked in, but Victoria in her surprise hadn't noticed the low entrance and bumped her head.

Once she was in the cave, she looked back and saw that the entrance had disappeared. No wonder they never found him... She walked around and heard a sound behind her, she stood still for a second and felt a caress down her neck.

“I see you managed to get Toronado to like you.” He grinned. “Told you that you would find it.”

Victoria huffed. “Not because of you, and Toronado wouldn't listen and now I have a headache.”

“I noticed, next time I'll add that you should not forget to keep your head down.” He laughed. “Would you perhaps like to try the special tea again?”

Victoria looked horrified, “Not that awful tea again, I'll stick with the headache!”

Zorro smiled, “I thought so. Is there anything you'd like?”

“There is one thing, where were we last time I was here? You know, before we got interrupted.” She grinned.

“Ahhh, that. I really don't think...” He started.

“...that it is such a bad idea!” She quickly finished.

“That's not what I wanted to say, you know that.”

“I know, but you can't blame a girl for trying.” She replied. “Let's compromise... I get to guess a few names and you'll answer honestly if I'm correct.”

“You don't give up do you. All right three names.. that's all. Pick carefully or write down everyone you hope and choose three from that list.”

“Why make a list if I only get to guess three times?”

“Because, if I see my name on it, at least I don't have to fear your rejection anymore...” He carefully explained.

“You're really afraid, I never thought it was like that for you.”

“It is, so choose carefully. In the meantime I'll get us something to eat.” Zorro told her and left Victoria at the desk.

xxx

Zorro walked upstairs and checked the peephole to be safe. He saw Felipe sitting in a chair, like he was instructed. Zorro opened the secret passage and walked out.

“Felipe, could you get something to eat and drink. You know where to put it?”

Felipe nodded. “How is it going down there?”

“It's going great. Father hasn't been in yet?”

“The last time was about an hour ago and he was complaining about how far behind he was, I don't think he'll be back soon.” Felipe replied.

“Bueno. Now go get dinner and I'll see you later this day.”

Felipe nodded and left.

Zorro turned back around and went back to the cave, he walked down the stairs nervous. Hoping desperately his name would be on the list. It didn't matter to him, if she guessed or not, as long as his name was on the list he would be relieved of his fears. He took a deep breath at the bottom of the stairs and walked to Victoria. He stood behind her and saw a small list, containing only names of caballeros.

At least she got that part right, he thought. He didn't see his name on it yet, but noticed it were names of caballeros who could fence well. He saw the name of a good friend of his father on the list and laughed.

“What's so funny? I'm serious about this list.” She told him.

“I know but adding the name of someone who's over 60 is quite funny.” He retorted.

Victoria glanced down her list and saw who Zorro was talking about and immediately scratched it. “You're right, that is funny.” She laughed with him.

Zorro stood behind her and saw slowly more names being added, but not his own. He also noticed several names were immediately crossed out.

“Aaaahhh!”

“What is it preciosa?”

Victoria looked at Zorro and sighed, “These aren't names I would ask you about. I'm doing this all wrong!”

“Just write down who you are hoping for and when you are done, you can ask me.” He helped her.

Some noise came from the bottom of the stairs and Victoria and Zorro both watched as a tray was placed there.

“That must be dinner, hope you're hungry.”

“Who brought that?” She whispered, she was surprised to find out that there was someone helping Zorro.

“That's a secret, querida.”

He walked to the tray and brought it over to the table and saw a new list forming faster then the previous one. He glanced down the list and saw his name on the sheet and a small smile appeared. It wasn't at the top, but at least it was on it.

“Done!” Victoria exclaimed. “These are the names I'm hoping for.”

“How have you come up with these names?” He wanted to know this, was it out of friendship or well hidden love, that his name was on the list.

“I know these men, they frequently come to the tavern and others I can even trust some of them with anything.” she carefully explained. “Are you on the list? Is that why you're asking?” Hoping he would give her a hint that she was on the right track.

“I'm not going to help you, you have to ask three names of that list. I will be honest with you.” He pushed her a bit.

“All right let's see... Carlos Galvéz.” She looked hopeful.

“No, I'm not Don Carlos.” He smiled. “That was one, two to go.”

“I know, second name... Antonio Delgado...”

Zorro simply shook his head. “No, now choose carefully, only one guess remaining.”

Victoria was thinking rapidly. Who? I have to get it right! “I guess... Die... No...ehhh”

When he hear her start his name he felt weak inside, she wanted him, but doubt kept her from saying it.

Finally she said a name, “Sebastian De La Cruz...” Tears were staining her eyes when she saw him shaking his head again. She got it wrong again, she had the chance to find out and screwed it up. As she was thinking she knew that one was too short and the other too wide. Why did she even think of them?

“Querida, it's time you got back. You've been here too long all ready.”

At first she thought he was disappointed, but noticing the clock she saw the time had gone faster then she thought.

“It's all right, Pilar is there I'm sure she'll manage.”

“Are you sure, she doesn't know that you're here.”

“Sí, but she does think I've been feeling ill lately. She'll just come to her own conclusions.” She knew that is was the truth and wanted to stay longer. This was her chance.

“You know how to find me, you could always come back another time and I do have to go now. That's the difficulty of leading two lives.” He gave her a kiss and helped her on Toronado. “He'll listen to you this time, when you dismount tell him to go home and he'll find his way back.”

“I will, te amo.” She waved at him.

“Victoria! Watch out for...” He couldn't finish his sentence and she was leaving with an even bigger headache then she head when she first came in with.

xxx

Victoria returned at the tavern late and as she expected Pilar had all ready taken over for her. She told Pilar that she wanted to rest and was going to her room. She had been there ever since, she looked throughout her room and collected everything Zorro had ever given her. She spread it out over her bed and looked at them. Why couldn't I guess your name. I should know it. She laid down on her bed holding some of his things he had given her and cried.

Across her room Zorro saw everything and his hart broke, he wanted to tell her so much. He waited until she was asleep and climbed through her window.

xxx

I would like to thank Cherryll for reviewing, it does motivate me to try to find some extra time to keep on writing.