CRAZY LIKE A FOX

Drena Hills

Some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness

And they live by what they hear.

Such people become crazy…

Or they become legends.”

__

Jim Harrison

He came right over the wall.

Later, when they asked Sister Luke to explain, she could think of no better way to clarify why the handsome stranger was laying sprawled across her lap and her garden.

As for Kid Curry he would have been quick to point out that leaping over a wall to avoid being shot and suddenly finding yourself looking up into the startled face of a nun wasn’t something one just planned to do.

“I am so sorry!” he said trying to scramble to his feet and only making things worse because that required holding on to her and that was the exact moment the Mother Superior and Sister Mary Katherine chose to come around the corner.

“Sister Luke Bernadette!” the Mother Superior said in a voice that just made the need for other words obsolete.

“Mother Superior!” Sister Luke sputtered suddenly frightened at the ease in which the gentlemen pulled her to her feet beside him. But then she glanced up into his troubled and concerned blue eyes and dismissed the notion he would ever hurt her.

As for Kid he realized he was still holding on to her shoulders and let his hands drop like he had been burned.

He knew he looked a sight. His shirt had been torn in the fight, he was hot and sweaty from running and he needed no one to tell him how out of place the gun strapped to his hip looked in this peaceful oasis of faith.

Suddenly there was the sound of scrambling at the wall and Kid knew the men after him were about to follow his path of escape.

Looking around frantically he connected with the stern, angular face of the Mother Superior and they both took measure of one another.

“The chapel,” she said suddenly making a decision and crossing herself in the hope it had been the right one. Both the Sisters blinked startled not sure they had heard right and a smile broke across Kid’s face at her compassion for him. “Declare sanctuary,” she ordered and pointed to the open doors across the neat and tidy courtyard.

“Thank you!” Kid said turning to run and then paused looking back, obviously concerned about leaving them with his pursuers coming over the wall.

“Go!” she said in answer to his question and knew by his concern she had made the right decision concerning him. “They wouldn’t dare hurt us.”

Relieved he took off running, hitting the doors just as the soldiers came over the wall.

“Where is he?” Sergeant Padillo, a small weasel shaped man barked.

“Whom do you seek?” Mother Superior said calmly facing him. “If it is God I assure you young man we have a very functional gate where you might enter his house without crushing Sister Luke’s tomatoes.”

Both Sister Luke and Sister Mary Katherine had flanked her now creating an unusual gauntlet for the eight soldiers to circumvent.

“Look Sister.”

“Good day Sergeant,” she said dismissing him and slowly began walking towards the church.

“Padillo!”

The voice was sharp and made every man fall to attention. Recognizing the man and what his presence would mean, the nuns kept walking; determined to reach the church doors before the men.

Lieutenant Rounders quickly crossed the courtyard to his men; having been too dignified to take their route into the mission.

He conferred with his sergeant for a moment and then cast a scowl towards the Mother Superior. Motioning his men forward he caught the Sisters just as they reached the porch of the church entrance.

“We are looking for a prisoner, he came over your wall,” he said as the women turned on his approach.

“Yes it is the natural instinct of men to seek God when the devil is on their heels,” the Mother Superior replied facing him.

“Where is he?” Rounders snarled causing Sister Luke to take step back startled at the venom in his voice.

“Sanctuary,” the Mother Superior replied quietly.

“What!”

For one brief moment everyone felt certain he was going to strike her. This included Kid who stood watching just inside the door and silently and swiftly his gun leapt into his hand.

“He had the right,” the Mother Superior said not flinching. She had been hit too many times before and there came a point when a woman backed by God stopped letting fear be a weapon to be used against her.

“You cannot be serious!”

“Surely you know Lieutenant that God never turns any man away who seeks his mercy.”

“He is a wanted criminal.”

“He is a child of God.”

“Who must be brought to justice.”

“I have seen you justice Lieutenant I am not impressed.”

“The church no longer runs this part of the world Sister! I am an authority of the American Government and the State of California and I demand you let me pass.”

“I cannot refuse you entry; you have, as you say, authority and you have guns and men. However,” and her smile was angelic as it was directed at his Catholic group of men. “God can refuse a man entry into Heaven.”

Rounder’s eyes narrowed as he heard his men start to mumble and shuffle their feet. This was the woman who’s Sisters cared for their wives and helped their sick children. She had known each of them since they had been boys.

Rounders considered all of this. He was in enough trouble in letting the man escape; it would not due to have the church uprising on top of everything else. Deciding time was on his side he gave her a mock bow.

“All right Sister you win this round, but I am going to station my men around this mission and the minute he tries to leave…well we shall ensure a little justice of our own.”

“Lieutenant?” the Mother Superior said pleasantly as the men eagerly turned to leave.

“Yes?”

“Please have your men use the gate when they leave? Sister Luke has spent so much time on her garden I would hate to see her work abused in such a way again.”

Snarling something she ignored, the man stormed towards the gate causing his men to scurry to catch up.

“Mother Superior that was great!” 12-year-old Patrick McCulley said freeing himself from the grasp of the tall nun whom had kept him in the shadows.

“My mother says you are the bravest woman she has ever met,” shy doe eyed Manuel Montoya added joining his friend.

The two nuns who had kept the boys from joining the fray crossed themselves grateful things had not gotten violent.

“The nerve of that man,” the older, shorter one said fiercely.

“That will be enough of that Sister Michaela,” the Mother Superior chastised. “And you Sister Aegidia,” she scolded the shorter, younger one beside her. “One does not clap when God wins an argument.”

“Yes Mother,” the little nun said. “Oh but you were wonderful! Such a bully that one!”

“So who did we give sanctuary too?” Sister Michaela said glancing at the doors of the church.

“I am just about to find that out,” the Mother Superior said and picking up her skirts hurried into the cool refuge of the building.

**************************

Heyes let out a long suffering sigh as he was offered a seat in the plush sitting room of the hotel. He had been on his way to a very large and important poker game when the two men had come up along side him on the busy San Francisco street and ‘suggested’ he accompany them.

“I don’t suppose you would like to tell me what this all about?” Heyes asked with a pleasant smile that drained from his face as he recognized the man in the corner of the room as an employee of Armenderez.

He had thought he had seen the last of the aristocratic Mexican landowner and his men at Appleby’s a week ago at the auction of the bust of Caesar.

“Mr. Smith,” Armenderez said entering the room with three more men. Heyes would say one thing for the man, he certainly knew how to intimidate.

“Senor,” Heyes said rising in respect.

“Thank you for accepting my invitation.”

“You have a way of inviting people they find hard to turn down,” Heyes said being seated across from the man and taking the glass of brandy he was offered.

“My men are very loyal, but lacking in certain social skills, please accept my apology. I notice your partner is not with you,” the man said lighting a cigar as Heyes refused the offer of one.

“Yes he left with Mr. McCreedy,” Heyes replied knowing full well he all ready knew that.

“And he will be returning soon?” Armenderez said casually.

“Look what’s this all about,” Heyes said losing patience. He had a poker game Silky had taken great pains to include him in and he didn’t intend to miss it. In fact it was the sole reason he had remained behind and let Kid take the job guarding McCreedy alone.

“I have just relieved Mr. McCreedy of his precious bust. He took it far too well Mr. Smith; I do not trust him. I also have great respect for you and your partner. Why did he feel the need to take Mr. Jones with him?”

“Because he doesn’t trust you,” Heyes replied honestly.

“And that is the only reason?”

Heyes thought of his and Kid’s suspicions about the real reasons Big Mac had wanted Kid along on his journey down the California coast to San Diego, but neither had been untrusting enough to turn down the $1000 he had been offering for the job.

Smiling innocently he replied, “Important men don’t let me into their confidence Mr. Armenderez. Now if you will excuse me I am late for an appointment.”

“Certainly,” Armenderez said rising with him. “But one thing Mr. Smith? So far my battle is against Mr. McCreedy, I would hate to think I had to add you and your partner to my list of enemies.”

“So would I sir, good night.”

Heyes was still thinking about the encounter as he entered the private club and gave the doorman his hat.

“A telegram Mr. Smith,” the man at the reception area said handing Heyes the message.

Concerned he opened it, read it and then crumpled it angrily. Kid had been right, McCreedy had brought him along as a hired gun planning on using his reputation to ensure cooperation on a land grab deal concerning land Armenderez owned directly over the border.

Kid had managed to bolt before his identity had been divulged, but he was now on the trail penniless.

Quickly Heyes scribbled a reply sending it along to the next town Kid had indicated he was heading for and enclosing money to be wired along with it.

“Can you see that this goes out immediately,” Heyes requested.

“Certainly sir. Should I bring you a reply?”

Heyes thought of the two-day marathon poker game ahead of him.

“No, no just have the confirmation its been picked up sent to Mr. O’Sullivan’s house, I’ll get it there.”

“Very good sir and good luck.”

****************************

“You are safe my son,” The Mother Superior said formally as she entered the sanctuary with her rather odd group of followers.

“Thank you ma’am,” Kid said stepping out of the shadows. “I’m beholding to you.”

“What is your name?”

“Thaddeus Jones ma’am.”

“Are you Catholic?”

“No ma’am, is that a problem?”

“To some, but not to God,” she said almost smiling.

“You look thirsty,” Sister Aegidia said handing him a cup of cool water.

“Thank you Sister,” he said drinking it grateful.

“What did you do to get them on you?” Patrick said fascinated. “They got my Pa under arrest too.”

“Patrick Sean McCulley,” Sister Michaela groaned.

“Well it seems I was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Kid said honestly. “I think I overheard something certain people wish I hadn’t of.”

He didn’t miss the glance that stole around the group. What was it that had these people so frightened?

“Sit down Mr. Jones,” the Mother Superior said. “I am Anna, this is Sister Aegidia, Sister Michaela, Sister Mary Katherine and you have met Sister Luke. These two young men posing as ruffians are Manuel Montoya and Patrick McCulley. Could you please tell us what you overheard?” she said obviously not enjoying the need to ask him for a favor.

“Well it began when I arrived just outside of town. I was dead weary and flat broke so I holed up in a barn at a deserted farm house and went to sleep.”

“Sanchez farm,” Sister Mary Katherine guessed. “They were driven off last week.”

“Don’t know about that ma’am, but I awoke to the sound of three men talking.”

“Did you get their names?” the Mother Superior said a little too urgently.

“Yea there was that Lieutenant fellow, another man who called himself Grayden, got the impression he was a pretty important land owner around these parts and another fella they called Judge.”

“Judge Rivers,” Sister Aegidia said crossing herself. “The unholy trio themselves.”

“What did they?” the Mother Superior urged.

“Talked about a fellow named…” he stopped realizing it was the same last name as one of the boys.

The woman immediately understood, “Manuel, Patrick you have chores to finish.”

“Aw but it was just getting good Sister!” Patrick moaned.

“Now young man!”

Reluctantly the two boys shuffled out.

“Talked about a fellow named Montoya, under arrest, and how he was too dangerous to keep alive. Talked about getting rid of him and making it looked like he tried to escape. They were also concerned that a priest, Father Robert?, had left town. That one, Rounders, said he had sent men after him.

A gasp of horror went over the group, followed by a flurry of crossings.

“Father Robert left yesterday attempting to get word to the Governor of our plight. We are virtually trapped here unable to get a message to the outside world,” the Mother Superior explained sinking into a pew wearily.

“Ma’am if I can help,” Kid said dropping to one knee in front of her so he could meet her eyes. “You just say the word.”

His sincere, completely inappropriate response brought a smile to the woman’s lips, which she quickly dispensed with.

“You are most kind Mr. Jones, but I fear we are in God’s hands now.”

“It’s the railroad,” Sister Luke explained as he looked around for an answer.

“And greed,” Sister Michaela snorted.

“Santa Fe line reaching Los Angeles?” Kid asked remembering how keen McCreedy had been to get news of the expansion as they passed through Los Angeles.

“You know of this?”

“My work used to involve railroads, I know a bit about their tactics. Is the Santa Fe trying what the Southern Pacific did up at Mussel Slough?” Kid asked referring to the slaughter of seven men a year ago over farmland the railroad was trying to take back.

“Yes and when Mr. Montoya stood up to them they threw him in jail on a trumped up murder charge,” Sister Luke said fiercely.

“Sister Luke where did you ever learn such language?” the Mother Superior winced.

“Mr. Garcia explained it to me,” she blushed.

Kid found himself laughing and that in turn made her smile and the Mother Superior scowl at them both.

“You will be safe here until Father Robert returns at the end of the week,” the Mother Superior said rising. “The fiesta is only a week away and Grayden would not dare to try anything with everyone in town. You may have Father Robert’s bed at the back of the church.”

“Thank you ma’am, I won’t be any trouble at all.”

“Why don’t I believe you Mr. Jones?” she said and then looked around to see which of the Sister’s had giggled, but was unable to catch her.

“So there is no way I can send a telegram to my partner ma’am?”

“I am afraid not, is he likely to worry?”

“Born expert at it ma’am.”

****************************

With a happy yawn and a satisfied stretch Heyes stepped into the entry hall of Silky’s home two days later.

He had done well, very well. Silky’s rich business acquaintances had played a fair game of poker, but they were no match for his expertise, especially since it seemed lady luck had been riding with him.

“Telegram sir,” the butler offered him the envelope on a silver tray.

Thanking him Heyes slowly opened it as he began climbing the stairs to bed suddenly stopping.

The message informed him the money had not been picked up. Mr. Jones had never reached Los Angeles.

“Dankins?” Heyes called out to the butler.

“Yes sir?”

“There has been no word since this one?”

“No sir, Mr. O’Sullivan did say to show you the morning papers when you awoke, something about the railroad deal down south getting violent? Shall I awake you for supper sir?”

“No, but you can saddle me a horse.”

“A horse sir? Where shall I tell Mr. O’Sullivan you are headed?”

“Los Angeles.”

****************************

To Kid’s surprise being trapped in a mission in the company of 5 nuns had not turned out to be the grueling ordeal he had suspected it might. For one thing there was plenty of hard labor to be done and for another he found the Sister’s company rather freeing and relaxing. Society and his career choice had limited the opportunity of just being friends with a woman, but the Sister’s calling relieved them all of any expected sexual pretenses and they all lapsed into an amiable acceptance of one another at face value.

He also found himself re-evaluating the way he looked at a woman. At first the black, severe outfits had dashed any thought of him thinking of them as such. It was almost as if they were a third sex to him. But he quickly found without a physical appearance to define them he had to delve deeper and notice personalities and characteristics to differentiate among them.

Sister Luke for instance, though in her thirties, was the tomboy. Coming from farm country like him, he quickly felt at ease with her practical common sense approach to problems. She was also impulsive, quick thinking and brave and therefore always in trouble and the two found amusement in their similarities.

Sister Katherine Mary was the quiet graceful one who could find good in a heart of stone. She had the voice of an angel and having overheard her once he from then on arranged his day to make sure he was always working near her window at the time where she sang as she manned her loom.

Sister Aegidia was the cook and quickly took him to task for being so thin and began working magic to fatten him. She was cheerful, fun and he found it was impossible to spend five minutes with the woman and not leave feeling better about yourself.

Sister Michaela was the oldest and reminded him most of the nuns he remembered from the home. Bent with rheumatism she worked as hard as anyone and quickly earned his respect for the way she carried on without complaint. When she snuck his shirt away and he caught her returning it mended the next morning and he thought of her enduring the pain in her fingers to perform the task his heart went out to her.

Which explained why he was in the Mother Superior’s office only 12 hours after arriving.

“Mr. Jones we do not kiss nuns.”

“It was on the cheek ma’am, she mended my shirt,” Kid said trying not to feel 10 years old as the woman circled around his chair.

“And then there are the flowers.”

“You said to cut some for the alter?”

“Yes, but not deliver bouquets to the Sister’s rooms!”

“I thought they might cheer them up a bit.”

“And then there is your working at the smithy.”

“Ma’am?”

“I realize it is quite warm and the fire is rather hot, but please keep your shirt on,” she coughed remembering his naked bronzed upper body and the way she and the other Sisters had been momentarily stopped by the sight of him hammering the horseshoe into submission. “You are causing a distraction to my Sisters.”

Kid looked up confused and then his eyes widened, “Ma’am?”

“You are a handsome young man Mr. Jones, far too handsome and add charming and kind to that and well I will be glad to see the back of you.”

“Sorry to be so much trouble ma’am,” Kid said with genuine concern.

“Oh it isn’t that,” she said sitting down frustrated at herself for thinking of how much he reminded her of her own little brother. “It’s just I’m afraid of how much you are going to be missed when you leave.”

He looked up and this time she let him see the smile.

“Even by you ma’am?”

“Did I get flowers in my room?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Even by me Mr. Jones.”

**********************************

“The priest, you have secured him?” the obese, elegantly dressed older man asked questioning Rounders.

“Yes Mr. Grayden,” the officer said standing uncomfortably in the man’s plush office, the man he was speaking with purposely keeping his back to him in a show of disregard.

“And this stranger, he is still holed up a the church?”

“Yes sir.”

“Find a way to make him leave.”

“But sir there is no way we can entice him to leave…”

“Then don’t, force him too.”

*****************************

“You ask him,” Patrick McCulley said nudging his friend forward.

“Me? It is your idea!” Manuel said indignant.

Kid missed none of this as he finished applying the last row of bricks to the wall he had been repairing. The damage done by the earthquake some 50 years ago still remained and there was much that needed work.

“You fellas wanna tell me what you are so darn terrified to ask me or am I gonna have to sit here and guess all day?” Kid asked turning and giving them a smile.

Encouraged they stumbled forward each one giving the other secret looks that spoke volumes. Now whom does that remind me of Kid thought amused.

“Mr. Jones we wish to buy your services,” Manuel said and in order to entice him he pulled out a small bag and dropped its contents into his hand.

The diamonds on the bracelet caught the sun and dazzled them.

“Where did you two get something like that!” Kid said whistling as he examined it.

“My mother. It is all she has since the government seized our estates when they arrested my grandfather.”

“And what exactly am I suppose to do for this?” Kid asked.

“You must play the fox!” Patrick said eagerly.

“Wanna try that again?”

“Every year at fiesta Senor one of the soldiers dresses as the legendary fox who freed the prisoners held captive by the Spanish Government unfairly a hundred years ago. This year Lt. Rounders has taken the part.”

“My father was training to take his place so he could sneak in and free Manuel’s grandfather,” Patrick said. “But he was caught and arrested.”

“Training?”

“The fox must be an expert with a sword, whoever played him would have to fool the guards and the people by winning a mock battle against the soldiers. My mother was training him for the part.”

“Your mother knows how to sword fight?”

“My mother is grand lady,” the boy said stiffening not sure if his mother’s honor had been insulted. “Her brother, my uncle won many awards in Spain for his use with the sword, she used to play with him when she was a child and became quite good before she grew up and became a lady.”

“I’m sure your mother is very special Manuel,” Kid soothed liking the boy’s defense of her. “But how was Patrick’s father going to fool everyone that he was the Lieutenant?”

“The fox wore a disguise, a mask and dressed all in black so no one knew who had helped the prisoner’s escape and his family would not be harmed.”

“Sounds like a great story, but how can I help?”

“We want you to take my dad’s place,” Patrick said.

“Me? With a sword?” Kid started to laugh. “Sorry fellas not my choice of weapon.”

“But my mother will teach you, you have a week!” Manuel begged.

“Look I…”

Kid stopped suddenly listening. The woman’s scream had rose up over the high wall from the town square next to them.

“That was Sister Luke!” Patrick said alarmed.

Kid started to run.

****************************

“Get your hands off of me!” Sister Luke cried in terror now. At first the behavior of three men taunting her and refusing to let her enter the gates of the mission had seemed just drunken foolishness, but now the look in their eyes convinced her it was something more.

Kid reached the gate in time to see a storekeeper shut his window, the square had suddenly emptied and to his amazement a soldier passing quickly turned and went the other way.

It was a trap, he knew it was a trap.

“Let’s see what kind of woman you really are!” one of the men growled clearing the dishes from a table with a sweep of his hand and throwing the nun across it.

Kid’s leap took all three of the men down in one massive tumble.

He was outnumbered, but he was angry and the first man got the worst of it going down with one punch. He then turned on the other two to work out his rage.

“Sister get inside!” he yelled and to his relief Manuel and Patrick had, had the courage to follow him out and were quickly helping the woman down and to the gates.

He decked a second and turned to the third when he heard the rifle click back.

“Ah Mr. Jones! Welcome,” Rounders voice sneered. “I guess every man does have his price! Arrest him!”

*********************************

Hannibal Heyes rode into the village of San Juan Capistrano two hours later to find a subdued and wary populace.

He had traced Kid as far as the town before this one and he knew he would have had to go through there on his way back. It was inquiring at the last posting station he had over heard the gossip about a fair-haired gringo seeking sanctuary at the church.

Dismounting he quietly entered the Mission and began searching the grounds.

Frustrated he entered the church and walked up to the front. If Kid was there, he was doing a fair job of hiding.

Hearing voices and deciding he was not quite ready to make his presence known he opened the door of the compartment next to him and slid in.

It was a small box, with a seat, almost like a wardrobe, but there was ventilation and on the whole it was quite comfortable.

Tensing he heard someone open the cubicle next to him and sit down.

“Forgive me Father for I have sinned,” a voice said through a grate next to his ear.

Heyes froze considering this revelation and its implication on him.

“Father?” the voice queried when he said nothing.

A born Protestant Heyes was completely at a loss on the etiquette of Catholic Confession, but he did know how to bluff.

“So tell me about it,” he said in a voice he hoped sounded Catholic.

“Father?” the woman said shocked.

“I mean go ahead my child,” Heyes said searching his memory for any phrases he might have picked up.

This seemed to mollify the woman a little and she continued.

“It has been one week since my last confession.”

“Well that doesn’t sound very long, how much trouble could you have gotten into in that short of time?”

That did it. He heard scuffling and suddenly the door to his compartment was flung open and light flooded in blinding him.

“Who are you?”

Heyes squinting, his eyes attempting to adjust to the light. “Joshua Smith ma’am,” he said only able to make out dark curls and black lace.

“Posing as a Priest!” she gasped.

“Francesca what are you yelling about I could hear you half way across the…” the red headed woman clearly pregnant stopped and stared at Heyes in the confessional box.

“New Priest?” she asked innocently and clearly impressed.

“Bridget he was hiding in there.”

“Bridget McCulley Father, tell me what order are you? Rome come up with a new wild west version?” she said fighting a smile.

Heyes liked her immediately and gave her a grin back as he eased out.

“Actually wrong place, wrong time, forgive me ladies,” he said tipping his hat and backing up.

“Oh hey come back any time, I think I might start to look forward to confession with you on the other side!” Bridget laughed.

“Bridget!” Francesca said shocked as Heyes gave her a wink and another smile and hastily retreated. “We are in a church.”

‘Fran, God makes men that look like that He has to expect women to notice.”

Her friend stared at her shocked.

Bridget laughed, “I was joking! No I wasn’t,” she sighed deciding it wasn’t good lie and lust in church. She stopped seeing her friend’s troubled face. “I’m sorry, I really am just as worried as you are, I just deal with it differently. Do you think the information this man Jones supplied was true…Jones…did he say Smith? What was I saying? Oh yes what are we going to do?”

“The only thing we can do, I must take your husband’s place in the plan.”

Bridget McCulley bit back the smile as she took in the enchanting woman in black lace and satin before her. Still in mourning for her husband, her friend presented an elegant and refined picture of Spanish nobility. It was quite a stretch to imagine her dressed as a man.

“Fran I know you mean well, but nobody is going to think you are a man.”

“I must try. Meet me on the beach at noon when everyone takes their siesta.”

“All right, but borrow some real clothes from Marie for my sake?”

“What is wrong with the way I am dressed?”

“Nothing if you are being presented at court. Think peasant, think comfortable, think something you can breathe in.”

“You are so funny my friend, how wonderful it has been to have you to confide in.”

“Your father in law ever finds out what you are planning it will be our last talk,” she turned to leave with her friend and then took one last look at the confessional and gazed heavenward.

“One of your better works Lord,” she winked and crossing herself hurried out.

*********************************

Heyes had retired to the saloon to think. Kid had been nowhere in the church and the fact he was the only man in the saloon worried him. Something was very wrong.

“Quiet around here,” he smiled at the bartender attempting to rally a conversation.

“Should be after that spectacle,” the bartender said with a sigh. “Not a man here don’t feel ashamed at his cowardice.”

“Why what happened?”

“One of the nuns got attacked on the street.”

“And no one helped her?” Heyes said amazed.

“Si, one did and he is now in jail. I tell you Senor things are not good here, leave while you can.”

Heyes hastily downed his drink and hurried outside. Only one man in town willing to help a woman? It had Kid stamped all over it.

Reaching the jail he immediately turned around and retreated to the shade of a building far enough away to study it without being noticed. The old stone structure was built like a fort and a handful of guards stood outside suggesting whomever it held was mighty important.

“You looking for someone Mister?” Patrick said suddenly at Heyes’s side.

Heyes turned to look at the two boys.

“The man arrested in the square do you know his name?”

“Mr. Jones,” Manuel said.

Heyes looked at the boy puzzled. He had been certain Kid had been hiding out because they had realized he was Kid Curry.

“Jones you say?”

“Yes he is a friend of ours,” Patrick said. “They tricked him into coming out because he knew about them. Why are you interested, you a friend of his?”

“Yes I am.”

“Mr. Jones said he had a partner, you him?”

Heyes looked at them, “Yes I am, Joshua Smith.”

The two boys shook his hand formally glancing at one another.

“Mr. Smith how would you like to help us break you partner out?” Manuel said the decision being made. “This would allow us to return to our original plan and not the one someone came up with using the fireworks for the fiesta,” the boy added giving his friend a look and shaking his head.

“It would have worked I know where they hide them,” Patrick started to argue back.

“Wait a minute what original plan?” Heyes said stepping between them.

“The one where you become the Fox!”

***************************************

“Fran you are the only woman in California who can put on a peasant blouse and a skirt and look like a queen, how do you do that? Do you need to be Spanish?” Bridget sighed from the rock where she was watching her friend practice her fencing moves.

“I feel naked! If Sebastion had ever saw me dressed like this he would have had me beaten and sent home.”

“Sebastion was a pompous, old…”

Francesca gave her a look.

“Well he was. Kept you all locked up in a glass case like some doll to be shown when company comes.”

“It was his right, I was his wife.”

“Well now you are his widow and I still think risking your life to save his father is a bit above and beyond the call of duty.”

“But Don Pedro is a good man who has only showed me kindness, not to mention Sean, we have to help them.”

“So this is what the confession was for,” Heyes said pleasantly from the rock he had been watching from.

“You!” Francesca said pointing the sword at him.

“In the flesh.”

“Mother look what we found!” Patrick said scrambling past Heyes. “He’s going to help us!”

“Hey wait a minute I never said…” Heyes responded back indignant.

“Mr. Jones is his friend. He wants to free him too,” Manuel added.

“Thank you Senor but we have no need of your help,” Francesca said dismissing him.

“But mama, he can take Mr. McCulley’s place!” Manuel explained.

“Your mom is going to do that,” Bridget said innocently causing Francesca to shoot her a dark look.

“Ma’am?” Heyes said amused. “I’ve seen this Lt and I have to confess,” he said lingering on the word. “You don’t look anything like him.”

“Senora McCulley! Senora Montoya,” a small dark older Mexican woman cried hurrying up to them.

“Maria what is it?” Francesca asked helping the woman to a seat on one of the large rocks that littered the beach.

“It is Senor McCulley, my Manno, he works at the jail, he says they have beat Mr. McCulley for protecting Senor Montoya, he is hurt very bad. He says they would have killed him if the stranger had not stepped in and helped him.”

“Sean,” Bridget said and she might have fallen if Heyes hadn’t of caught her and supported her against him.

“Let me take you back,” Heyes told her comfortingly. “We’ll get a doctor to him.”

“Rounders will not allow a doctor,” Francesca said taking Bridget from him. “He wants them dead.”

“Let me help you,” Heyes said frustrated as the women began to move through the sand.

“We do not need your help,” the woman said firmly.

“There I think you are wrong,” Heyes said softly.

****************************

“They would not let her see him,” Francesca said as Heyes waited outside the small cottage they had seen Bridget too.

“I have to get word to my friend that I am here.”

“Marie’s husband might possibly be able, or one of the nuns.”

“Thank you,” Heyes said turning to go and then on impulse looked back at the small, overwhelmed figure watching her friend’s house helplessly. “And then when I get back we can start those fencing lessons,” he added.

She stared at him about to object and then suddenly nodded, “As you wish Senor.”

**************************

“Mr. Jones?”

Kid opened his eyes and closed them willing the pain in his head to go away. He and Heyes must have certainly strapped one on to elicit this kind of hangover.… He stopped suddenly remembering and opened his eyes into Sister Luke’s concerned ones.

“How did you get in here?” he said attempting to sit up and then regretting the sudden movement.

“The Mother Superior insisted, everyone was getting 300 years in purgatory if they didn’t let us in. She’s with Mr. McCulley now. He was hurt pretty bad. Mr. Montoya said you were the one who pulled the men off of him. Sister Mary Katherine thinks you are an angel.”

“Can’t be, my head wouldn’t hurt this bad,” Kid said sitting up.

“I wanted to thank you for what you did for me. You gave up everything to save me,” she said as if unable to comprehend his actions.

“Can’t help it, pretty girls do that to me,” he winked and regretted the movement with a wince.

She laughed knowing what he was doing and they both turned sharply at a stern cough of interruption coming from the doorway of the tiny jail cell.

“Mr. Jones must I add don’t flirt with nuns to your list of things not to do?”

“Guess you better,” Kid smiled at the Mother Superior not missing the concern in her eyes.

“Sister Luke go help Sister Michaela while I look at Mr. Jones head, which has no doubt swelled more to your flattery than any blow leveled at it.”

The nun quickly changed places with her superior who sat next to Kid and gently examined the large bump at the back of his head.

“Hit you from behind, the cowards,” she said to herself as she squeezed water from the rag into the bowl.

“Is this going to hurt?” Kid said dubious.

“Mr. Jones I spent the entire Civil War in battlefield hospitals I assure you I know what I am doing,” she smiled when he didn’t look convinced. “And I grew up with a father and six brothers who fought as much as they drank, I have had experience dealing with men who have had their heads knocked together.”

Then softly as she moved closer to tend his wound she added, “Your partner is here. He asked me to give you a message.”

“Joshua?”

“Yes, dark hair, eyes, too charming for his own good I might add.”

“That’s him,” Kid said leaning back grateful and relieved and then looked at her, “Did he say anything else?”

“He said to tell you not to worry, he had a plan. I got the impression that would mean something to you?”

Kid smiled, “Yes ma’am it means things are finally going to get interesting around here.”

****************************

“Hey! You almost got me!”

“Then move out of the way!” Francesca said irritably. It was day 5 of the lessons and things were not going well. “Rounders is an expert swordsman, no one is going to believe you are him if you don’t get some confidence. The drama is tomorrow you must be ready if the plan is to succeed.”

“The only thing I am worried about right now is getting through this lesson in one piece,” Heyes snapped back.

“Well if you weren’t so arrogant…”

“I am not arrogant!”

“Do not shout at me Mr. Smith!”

“I am not shouting,” Heyes yelled.

They both stood there fuming at one another.

“I need a drink,” Heyes said suddenly.

“You could drive me to want one as well,” she spat back.

Giving her a dark look he tossed his sword down and walking over to his horse swung into the saddle and rode off.

Arriving in town he pulled up to the saloon to find it closed.

“Just great,” he said throwing up his hands.

“Not going well?” Bridget asked smiling at him from across the way. “Let me guess Fran?”

“That woman is the most condescending, haughty, proud…”

“Oh you two are getting along I am so glad.”

He glared at her.

“Need a drink huh?”

“Badly.”

“Come along to my house,” Bridget said taking the hands of two small children clutching the fold of her dress. “The Irish never close.”

“She called me arrogant!” Heyes said amazed. “Has she always been that irritating?” Heyes asked frustrated.

“She’s not irritating, she’s being what she was taught to be, a proper Spanish noble lady.”

“How did you two ever become friends?”

“Manuel and Patrick. She came storming into my house to say my son had made her son go skinny dipping in the church fountain.”

Heyes laughed, “And?”

“And I recognized a lonely lady who was no more than a trophy for her husband and family. I also saw a caring woman who loved her child very much and didn’t have one person to be human with.”

Heyes looked at her, “Lonely, the woman is rich, beautiful…”

“She was born in Spain Mr. Smith, she was shipped over to this country at 14 to be wed to a man 20 years her Senor.”

“I didn’t know,” he said softly.

“Of course you didn’t, you’re a man, they never do…saints protect us,” she said stopping suddenly horrified.

Heyes turned to follow her gaze and watched as an old man beaten and bloody was roughly pulled from a crude wagon and pulled into the jail.

“Father Robert!” Bridget said moving to run to him.

Heyes caught her, “There is nothing you can do…yet.”

The woman collapsed against him sobbing, “That poor man, he would never hurt anyone, how could they?”

Heyes held her, stroking her hair and murmuring comfort, but his eyes, his eyes never left the jail and they were cold as death.

**********************************

Heyes stepped onto the beach and pulled his sword from the sand where he had left it. The sun was dropping quickly, but he did not notice the colorful way it had chosen to leave. What he had seen in the market place had angered and sickened him.

“Francesca!” he said sharply when he could see no sign of her. They did not have time to waste and he was in no mood for games. He wanted one last attempt with that sword, one last attempt to prove to himself they had a hope of pulling this off.

She leapt from her hiding place behind the large rock he stood beside. The sword in her hand taunted him with the unspoken words – you’ll never best me.

“I have warned you Mr. Smith. You must be ready at all times!”

But to her surprise he was ready, mercilessly parrying back and forcing her on the defensive for the first time since they had begun the lessons

Fueled by anger and worry and the knowledge his friend’s life depended on how well he could hold his own with the weapon, Heyes suddenly went from novice to a dangerous and unpredictable opponent. He did not do what was expected, he did not move where he should have and all this was partnered with a desperate edge that kept her off guard.

Suddenly he lunged with such power she stumbled and fell avoiding his attack. Sprawling back into the sand, her sword flew from her hands and she found herself looking up into the tip of his sword pointing down at her.

Heyes was as startled as she was and quickly pulled the weapon back, his breathing heavy. Looking down into her surprised eyes he read shame, then anger and finally disgust with herself for allowing him to best her.

“Well go on!” she spat pushing herself up on her back elbows, her knees raised up in a most unladylike and tantalizing position. “You won sir, claim your victory.”

But his anger had been replaced with hope and something more, a respect. Tossing his sword into the air he caught it so that the hilt was offered to her. Adding a mock flourish, he extended it as a tribute to her.

“The student acknowledges the master,” he said. There was no mocking in his voice.

Hesitantly she reached up to see if he would indeed surrender the weapon and to her surprise he did and then turned to leave.

“Joshua.”

One word, but the way it was uttered made him turn back expectant and startled. It was the first time she had called him by his first name.

Perhaps it was the excitement the fight had brought up in each of them, or maybe it was the tension of what lay in wait on the morrow, or maybe it was just she had just finally met a man worth the risk.

“Don’t go,” she whispered a wealth of meaning behind the plea

He stood for a second looking into her eyes, his surprise turning to hunger at the possibility of what they promised. Dropping to his knees between hers he forced himself to stay calm and make sure he had read her offer correctly. Searching her eyes for doubt or fear, he only found excitement that was beginning to match his own.

Gently he reached down and slowly raised her bare foot to his lips and gently kissed the hollow of it.

She gasped at this most simple act and fell back, propped, half sitting against the smooth, flat rock.

His eyes glittering, Heyes gently used both hands to push her dress up her bare right leg in a in a slow, delicate upward caress that caused her to grip the sand in her fists.

Delighted with the reaction, he reached just above her knee and then with a lazy smile turned to repeat the process along her left leg.

She had never felt a touch like this before. He did not linger long, but yet he left every inch of her skin aching for his hands to return. He was gentle, but so clearly male in the way he explored her that she felt she would die if something made him stop.

Finally he stopped just on her inside thigh and gently used his knee to widen the gap and allow him to kneel directly over her slightly raised torso.

To her surprise and obvious disappointment, he switched his attention to her hands. Raising each one up he blew the sand from them and lightly kissed the tip of each finger, his eyes closed as he did.

She pulled her hands from his. “Kiss me,” she whispered and reached for him. He gave her an infuriating smile and softly replied,

“Not yet.”

His hands slipped to her waist and held her in a tight grip as if unsure which direction to pursue.

Her hands grasped the front of his shirt in desperate anticipation, pulling him to her. Moving one hand behind her back, he supported her and turned his attention to the laces that tied up the sheer peasant blouse she had disguised herself in. With an expert hand the lace was quickly pulled free allowing her breasts to spill out.

With a groan, the first hint of how in check he was holding himself, he cupped one and kissed her neck. As the kiss edged its way down he tantalizingly began circling the nipple of her breast with his thumb in a slow circular motion that made her arch her back into him.

“Please,” she whispered unable to move.

He pulled her up to him and smiled brushing a kiss across her lips, a quick almost chaste act that baffled and excited her at the same time.

“You are so beautiful,” he said entwining his fingers in her thick dark hair and tugging it free of the clip that had held it.

The sight of her hair tumbled down around her face made him tighten his grip and pull her closer.

This time the kiss demanded complete submission and she gave it willingly, leaning into him, willing her body to mold into his.

He pulled away after a moment, but she knew he had struggled to and it excited her.

“You are a temptress,” he chuckled in her ear. “Are you sure?” he asked searching her eyes one last time for any reluctance.

She nodded her throat so dry, words were impossible.

He smiled triumphant and to her astonishment stood and pulled her up into his arms and began striding purposely across the sand.

“Where?” she managed.

“Your bed,” he said. “You are too much of a lady to be taken in public.”

“I don’t mind,” she said and blushed.

She laid her head against his shoulder and hadn’t realized she had said it aloud until he laughed delighted and paused to kiss her.

“But I do. I don’t think we want to be interrupted, we have all night after all.”

He reached his horse and setting her down as if she was something wondrous and fragile. He swung up into the saddle and bent down reaching for her. He pulled her up settling her in front of him and wrapping a possessive arm around her waist, kicked the horse into a gallop.

He reached the villa and released her next to the gate so she could enter alone.

She flew through the doors giving orders not to be disturbed and raced up the stairs to the startled looks of her servants.

Entering her room she shut the door and quickly looked around expectantly at the open French windows.

Suddenly an arm slipped around her waist from behind her and she was in his arms.

He had removed his shirt and boots and the sensation of his bare, hard chest against her made her gasp at the need welling up inside of her and she fell into him in complete surrender.

With no restraint on him Heyes began to kiss her without thought or care. So passionate was his response that she would have fallen had he not held her to him. Finally they tumbled onto her white linen bed and this time his hands moved swiftly and efficiently, tossing her bodice and skirt aside.

She laid back her senses on overload. His hands were everywhere knowing exactly where to caress to elicit a response and causing her to slip further and further outside of herself. All that mattered was that moment and the sensations he caused her body to endure in anticipation. And then when she was almost weeping with frustration he entered her.

She dug her nails into her palms as she hugged him to her. He smelt like salt and sweat and something that had never had a name before

Lovemaking had never been like. Her husband had been kind, but indifferent. It would never have occurred to him that she might require something from the act herself.

But this man, he did nothing without checking her response, even seeming to enjoy her pleasure and knowing how to build on it. Never had she felt so completely lost and found in one moment.

When she climaxed it frightened her. She had never understood that the dull ache that had been her constant companion could be relieved; she cried out in wonder and discovery.

It was the signal he had been waiting for and came himself, collapsing on her in a gasp of wonder of his own.

They both just lay their tangled magically in one another for a long moment. Before she had endured a man’s weight on her, wishing the entire time he would just roll off and free her, but not this time. This time she wanted to feel the heavy pressure of his body on hers, to make the moment last, linger.

Finally he looked up and kissed her and smiled as he brushed the hair out of her face.

“Are you all right?” he asked checking her eyes for the answer; what he saw there, gave him all the answers he needed.

She was suddenly embarrassed, looking away from him. Sensing it he rolled off her allowing her to rise and move to leave.

“Where do you think you are going?” he teased catching her arm, but his grip was tantalizing firm in its insistence that she not leave.

Surprised she turned back, “You still want me?” Never had her husband ever required her to stay with him after he had been satisfied, most times he had never heard her leave the bed for her own.

It was his turn to be surprised, but then he understood and in answer pulled her back to lie against him, tucking her in the crook of his arm and pulling her tight against him.

“The night is just beginning,” he whispered and proceeded to prove it to her.

*******************************

Dawn found preparations for the fiesta all ready under way, but a shadow had been cast over the celebration. Word of the priest’s arrest had set the people muttering and crossing themselves and glancing heavenward for God’s vengeance.

From the window of the officer’s quarter’s Heyes quickly slipped on the final piece of the outfit he had taken from the man now bound and gagged in the corner.

“Senor,” Heyes saluted Rounders with his sword and paused for a moment to catch his reflection in the window. The black silk shirt and cape, the mask, the knee high boots his black trousers were tucked in, the effect was rather dramatic and Heyes winced thinking what Kid’s reaction would be to the costume.

Then turning he climbed out the window onto the roof.

The fox had returned.

*******************************

“Now you are certain you know what to do?” Francesca said worriedly as the small pocket of conspirators huddled in the shadows of the jail as the crowds began to fill the square in anticipation of the upcoming drama.

“As soon as everyone is watching Mr. Smith I gain entry to the jail on pretext of checking on Mr. McCulley,” Sister Luke recited. “Mr. Garcia has smuggled a gun in with the clean bandages. After they let me in I am to claim it an pass it off to Mr. Jones along with the key to his cell.”

“And make sure its Mr. Jones,” Patrick said firmly. “Mr. Smith says a gun in his hands is worth ten armed men.”

“I don’t like to think what the Father is going to say about this,” the Mother Superior sighed. “Nuns smuggling guns.”

“Given the choice between that and murder I think he might tend to be a bit understanding,” Bridget said.

“I wonder who they have gotten to play the prisoners?” Sister Michaela said curious as a roar went up and they realized the actors were being led out to the mock firing squad.

“Holy Mother of God,” Sister Mary Katherine suddenly gasped.

“It’s Pa!” Patrick said wide eyed from the pole he was propped on. “And Mr. Jones and Father Robert and Mr. Montoya!”

“They’ve tricked us,” Francesca said horrified. “This is how they plan to kill them!”

“What that is crazy? All these witnesses?” Bridget said shaking.

“An accident they’ claim or a terrible plot, they’ll whitewash something,” the Mother Superior said angrily.

“Looks like we have a change in plans,” Heyes said quietly from the dark shadows behind them. “No, no don’t turn around just listen.”

And the plan was suddenly no longer the Fox’s, but Hannibal Heyes’s.

*********************************

Kid looked around the crowd trying to catch his partner’s face. He knew things had gone desperately awry when they had been dragged from their cells. Heyes’s hope to enter the jail in disguise, (of which that part Kid was still unclear on), and lead them off had been dashed when they had become part of the drama.

He looked over at the Father and McCulley, both were sagging under being forced to stand and neither man could have made a run for it without help. Montoya was not much better. He was pushing seventy years old and his time in the jail having taken its toll on him.

It felt hopeless. Heyes don’t do anything stupid Kid thought stubbornly willing his partner to accept the fact that this time they had run out of chances.

“Ready!”

“Aim!”

“Wait!”

Before anyone could stop them the Mother Superior and her nuns had quickly walked into the line of fire.

“What are you doing! This is not how it goes!” Padillo yelled as his six men immediately put their rifles down.

“We have come to offer last rites!”

“Can nuns do that?” Padillo asked one of his men who shrugged.

But the crowd was loving this change in the tradition and cheering the women on.

“Bless you my son,” the Mother Superior said quietly to Kid and he felt his bonds cut free and then the pressure of cold metal being pushed into his hands.

“Thank you ma’am,” Kid smiled.

“Wait for the fox.”

On this cryptic message she moved on to free the next man of his bindings.

“Wait for who?” Kid said, but shook it off and whispered to the two men beside him. “On my signal run for it, as many directions as possible,” Kid ordered softly cocking back his gun. “I’ll cover you.”

“Lad you only have six bullets,” Father Robert said.

“Yea and there are only six of them,” Kid said. “Get ready.”

*****************************

“Are we quite through?” Judge Rivers said from the official’s platform above the scene where he sat with Grayden. He was tiny man and was sweating nervously from something other than the heat.

“I think not Senor,” a voice said behind him and a gasp went up from the crowd as Heyes placed his sword at the man’s back. “I believe you have some information you wish to give these people.”

“Arrest him! Arrest him!” Rivers said about to drop from apoplexy.

“I wouldn’t,” Heyes smiled as the guard attempted to move forward. “Not unless you want this sword through your back. But since you are so unaccustomed to public speaking allow me to explain. It seems Judge Rivers and Mr. Grayden have decided the performance today lacked a sense of reality, that is why those rifles are not loaded with blanks, go ahead check them,” Heyes said.

One of the soldiers obliged him and looked up surprised and horrified, “He is right! We would have killed a priest!”

The murmuring of the crowd was rising now as everyone began to talk.

“This is all a mistake,” Judge Rivers said terrified now and behind them Grayden slipped from the platform. “Do not listen to this man!”

“Shoot them!” Rounders said suddenly appearing on the wall sword in his hand and pointing out the prisoners.

The men hesitated. This was for real now. Seeing their reluctance Bridget suddenly ran forward with Patrick and put McCulley’s arms around their shoulders and began attempting to help him off.

The Sister Luke and Mary Katherine were instantly at the Father’s side and did the same for him as Francesca and Manuel helped Montoya.

“Shoot them!”

“First man that tries I kill,” Kid said stepping forward his gun out.

The crowd was enraptured now. The sight of Kid standing his ground while the men were helped from the firing wall brought up a cheer.

“How long are we going to let these scoundrels force out neighbors and finally us from our land!” Montoya said mounting the stage next to Heyes.

“I said fire!” Rounders said leaping down into the crowd and pushing his way to the front. Suddenly he saw someone in the crowd and pulled her to him. “Step down Montoya or your granddaughter is dead,”

The crowd pulled back in a circle as Francesca was pushed forward by him to face the stand.

“Francesca!” Montoya said horrified, but Heyes reacted even as he spoke leaping down next to the man and pointing his sword at him.

“A challenge Senor?” Rounders laughed. “I must warn you I am the best swordsman in California and what is more I do not play fair.”

And with that he pushed Francesca to the ground and lunged his sword at Heyes.

The fight was on.

**************************

Kid squinted sure he could not be seeing correctly. Heyes?

“You heard the Lieutenant!” Padillo said attempting to rally his soldiers. A few picked up their rifles and aimed it at Montoya and the escaping prisoners.

It was then the fireworks went off.

From that point on the scene could only be described as pure madness. The crowd thinking the soldiers were firing on them and still smarting from their inaction involving Sister Luke fell on the soldier with new courage fueled further by the consumption of new wine.

“Mr. Jones!” Sister Michaela cried and pointed.

Kid looked up from helping Sister Mary Katherine over the church wall in time to see the Mother Superior being dragged away by Grayden.

Pushing his way through the crowd Kid quickly caught up with the man at the far corner of the outside mission wall.

“Let her go,” Kid said moving in as the man held the woman in front of him in a neck lock.

“Bring me my carriage.”

“Can’t let you do that.”

“I will kill her.”

“Can’t let you do that either,” Kid said simply

Suddenly the Mother Superior bit down hard on the man’s hand causing him to loosen his grip. Kid saw his chance and leapt forward pulling the nun free and throwing her clear. Then turning back to Grayden with a great deal of satisfaction he knocked the man down where to Kid’s disgust he refused to move.

“You okay?” Kid asked hugging the woman.

“Yes thank you and Mr. Jones…”

“ I know, I know,” he laughed looking down at her. “I’m not suppose to hug nuns.”

“Actually,” she smiled up at him. “I was just going to say thank you!”

**************************

With the riot in full swing all attention had left Heyes and Rounders and the lopsided fight shifted into the market corridor where Heyes found himself ducking and dodging to keep from being killed.

Suddenly from the corner of his eye he saw something that gave him an idea.

Falling back as if he had tripped Rounders laughed and closed in on him.

“You were hardly an opponent Mr. Smith, completely unfair of me to take advantage of your amateur status, but like I said, I do not play fair.”

“Neither do I,” Heyes said and viciously cut the rope in front of him sending the heavy awning crashing down on the man.

The man made one attempt to rise, but Heyes’s fist soon settled that idea.

“Joshua!” Francesca said running up to him, “How?”

“You’re a better teacher than you thought,” he smiled and kissed her.

****************************

Kid, having given up his attempt to convince the Mother Superior to return to the church, hurried back to the official stand with her almost colliding with Francesca and Heyes as he did. Or at least he thought it was Heyes.

“Joshua?” Kid said losing all attempts not to grin as he took in the outfit.

Giving him a disgusted look Heyes pulled off the mask. “It is a long story.”

“Oh and I am sure a good one,” Kid said laughing now. “And one I will probably retell many time.”

Heyes gave him another look.”

“They have all gone mad!” Francesca said in horror at the fighting going around them.

“It is about time they stood and fought,” Montoya said coming up and putting an arm around her kissed her on the forehead.

Suddenly there was the sound of many horses approaching at full gallop and everyone looked up worried. If the soldier’s reinforcements had arrived the scene could become a blood bath.

The group moved to find cover when a voice from one of the horsemen called out.

“Montoya?”

The old man turned and a smile broke across his face.

“Armenderez?” he greeted in relief.

Armenderez quickly leapt from this horse to greet the man with a hug befitting a long and dear friendship.

“And can this be little Francesca!” he laughed turning to hug her. “Mother Superior,” he added respectfully bowing to the woman.

And then at last he turned to look at Kid and Heyes with something akin to amusement and wonder.

“Mr. Jones. Mr. Smith, I see the fox lives,” he greeted and then couldn’t help but add. “I always suspected Smith was an alias for something more interesting!”

Historical Notes:

The Southern Pacific Railroad was indeed responsible for the death of seven men in Central California on May 11, 1880 in an incident now referred to as the Mussel Slough Tragedy. The Santa Fe Railroad eventually did arrive in Los Angeles in 1885 after a series of political underhanded moves and illegal land grabs.

Over 600 nuns served as nurses to the soldiers on both sides during the Civil War often working right from the battlefield.

In 1919 Johnston McCulley wrote the first, (The Curse of Capistrano) of 65 serialized novels involving the masked avenger Zorro. The idea supposively coming from a tale told him by his father…