Zorro and the Deadly Homecoming

By Susan Kite

Many unhappy returns!

Diego de la Vega’s passage on a California-bound vessel is hardly a relaxing journey. Aboard the China Star, assassination dogs his footsteps. Someone wants to make certain he never sees his homeland again! In California, a human trafficking gang has grown six-fold, and a hired assassin stalks Don Alejandro, Zorro’s own father!

Adventure is the only thing Diego loves as much as family and country. While others believe the odds are insurmountable, Zorro sharpens his blade for a final battle, wherein the prize is freedom.

Zorro’s Pacific Odyssey, an original trilogy, takes “The Fox” from the California deserts, across the unforgiving Pacific, to strange challenges in an unfamiliar land!

Zorro created by Johnston McCulley. Produced under license from Zorro Productions, Inc.

Zorro ® & © 2022 Zorro Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bold Venture Press
• Release date: Feb 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005548124

Book preview

Zorro and the Deadly Homecoming

Zorro’s Pacific Odyssey, Part 3 of 3

Susan Kite

Zorro created by Johnston McCulley

Bold Venture Press

Produced under license from Zorro Productions, Inc.

Zorro ® & © Zorro Productions. All rights reserved.

Copyright info

Cover by Francisco Silva

Design by Rich Harvey

Edited by Audrey Parente

Copyright © 2022 Zorro Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Zorro ® & © Zorro Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Published under license from Zorro Productions, Inc.

This novel is based upon the works of Johnston McCulley. The underlying rights in and to the property of Zorro are controlled by Zorro Productions, Inc., of Berkeley, California, which has provided Bold Venture Press with the use of its copyrights and trademarks for the purposes of this writing. © 2022 Zorro Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without express permission of the copyright owner.

All persons, places and events in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to any actual persons, places or events is purely coincidental.

Available in paperback and hardcover editions.

Published by Bold Venture Press

www.boldventurepress.com

Contents

Copyright

Dedication

Introduction

Zorro and the Deadly Homecoming

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Susan Kite, author

Johnston McCulley, Zorro’s creator

Books in this series

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my children, Tommy and Danielle, their spouses, and all my beautiful grandchildren. May you all continue to dream big. Dreams do come true!

Introduction

The Return Home

The early years of the nineteenth century were violent, even as many men struggled for freedom from oppression. This was never truer than in Spanish California where the government was far away, across the oceans, and oppressors preyed on peasants and landowners.

Diego de la Vega, recently returned from military school in Spain at the request of his father, realized that direct confrontation against a tyrannical military leader would not be as effective as working secretly behind a disguise. He chose the name of the fox, El Zorro, and slipped through the darkness in clothing as shadowy and mysterious as midnight, on a black stallion as swift as the wind. His amazing swordsmanship defeated the tyrannical leader and others who followed.

When a group of vicious revolutionaries arrives in Southern California, determined to sow fear into the hearts of Spanish loyalists, it becomes all Zorro can do to keep up with their reign of terror. Don Diego de la Vega is kidnapped and indentured aboard a ship sailing to China.

When Zorro is assisted by a Chinese prince, it appears Diego’s fortunes have finally reversed. The prince arranges to smuggle the Californian out of the country on a ship heading east. But Zorro’s British enemies have determined his whereabouts and have sworn to execute him.

Great danger lies ahead in California. Diego’s father and Bernardo have posed as Zorro, to maintain the masked man’s presence, despite ever increasing odds from the revolutionaries.

Zorro and the Deadly Homecoming

1

Sail Away Home

Without even turning around, the sound of chanting told Diego the sailors were at the capstan raising the anchor. It felt strange, standing idly by as others did the same work he had done for what seemed an eternity. Soon the clanking and rattling ended, and he heard the words away aloft! in Portuguese. Leaning against the rail, Diego saw sailors scrambling up the ratlines to their duty stations. That, too, was strange, hearing familiar English words spoken in Portuguese.

Diego gazed around at the quarterdeck, the forecastle and the masts, and realized in astonishment this ship was an East Indiaman. He had been so excited upon boarding he had not even noticed.

"Bom dia, Senhor de la Vega. Impressive, isn’t she? a voice from behind him asked in Portuguese mixed with Spanish. The Spanish was impeccable. Diego turned and saw a slender, middle-aged man, with a well-trimmed beard and mustache. The man’s light blue eyes gazed intently into his. Welcome aboard The Gossamer Princess, Senhor de la Vega. I am Capitão Juan Vasco Fortuna. Later when the ship is out to sea, I can show you around. She is a grand ship, despite her heaviness in the water. And if you feel neglected, please be patient. This past year we have not had many passengers."

There was nothing of the despot in this man. Diego smiled. "I thank you for your personal greeting, Capitão Fortuna. And for your offer. However, I know about these ships, Diego said, looking back up at the sailors climbing to their duty stations among the sails. Fortuna was watching them as well. My duty station was in the middle of the topgallant yard," he said quietly, pointing.

What? Fortuna asked, staring in amazement at his passenger.

I served on an East Indiaman.

You did? Which one?

"A British East Indiaman. The China Star," Diego said, giving the name in English.

Ah, the damaged ship in the harbor?

"Yes, Capitão."

Fortuna watched the men above and seeing they were in position, bellowed, Loose sails! Then he turned back to his passenger. And how did a Spanish citizen manage that, if I may ask?

Diego smiled wistfully. I was shanghaied.

"Sinto muito! Fortuna exclaimed, his voice sympathetic. I am very sorry. That must have been a harrowing experience on board a British ship. I have heard rumors of their treatment of sailors. But you seem to have been privileged to have several well-placed benefactors. A packet arrived during the night with funds for your journey to Manila."

"I think sailors are the pretty much the same everywhere, Capitão. I was not too badly treated, Diego said, as he watched the sailors scurry down from the ratlines after loosening the sails. And yes, I was very fortunate. And I am most grateful."

"Por favor, Senhor de la Vega, as soon as we are away, please join me and my other officers and the other passengers for breakfast. I would like to hear of your adventures crossing the ocean."

Suddenly Diego felt an overwhelming fatigue. It was as though now that he was safely on his way, all of the tension and anxiety had washed away, leaving him feeling drained. Please forgive me. I am very tired. It was a long journey to Canton and we got in very late last night. But I would be happy to join you at mid-day meal if the invitation is still open.

"Of course, Senhor. I will have the cabin boy wake you in time to prepare, Fortuna said. Let me have someone show you to your cabin now."

"Obrigado, Capitão," Diego said with a slight bow.

His cabin was about the same size as the one he had shared with Mr. Bowman and almost in the same part of the ship, except aft instead of port. There was a gallery window, now showing him a view of the dwindling harbor. Instead of a small bed, such as Mr. Bowman had, there was a hammock hanging in the back corner. Diego noted several hooks in the ceiling for more hammocks. Apparently this ship was equipped to carry more passengers than was the China Star.

His three chests were sitting next to each other in the middle of the room, and his sword was hanging on a hook. Opening up his saddlebag, he pulled out his personal belongings, including his shaving supplies. Despite his fatigue and the fact it would be easier to keep the beard, Diego was eager to get rid of the itchy almost two-week’s growth. The beard had served its purpose and he was ready to begin normalcy. Carefully, feeling a bit awkward shaving one-handed, Diego nevertheless soon had the clean-shaven look he was used to.

After putting away his personal things in a small wardrobe, Diego managed to climb in to the ‘bed’ with only a bit more difficulty than usual. He found, however, he could not get into a comfortable position. The heavy hemp material constricted his shoulder, causing twinges of pain. Finally Diego climbed out, took the blanket and laid it on the floor, using his saddlebag containing the costume as a pillow. Soon he was lulled to sleep by the rocking motion of the ship.

"Senhor. Senhor de la Vega, a young voice called to him, bringing Diego out of his sleep. He opened his eyes to find a young man gazing down at him, snickering. May I ask what is so funny? Diego asked amiably, sitting up. He felt his Portuguese left a great deal to be desired, but the boy seemed to understand him. Thankfully, there had been Portuguese students at the university in Madrid, at least enough to give him a smattering of the language. The fact the two languages were so similar also helped. And besides, I thought this room had a door on it," he added, pointing.

"Senhor, if you wanted to learn how to use the hammock, all you had to do was ask someone to help you, instead of sleeping on the floor, the cabin boy said with a smile. As for the door, I did tap on it, but you were very soundly asleep."

Why, you impudent scamp, Diego laughed. I know very well how to use a hammock, when I have two good hands. But it happens to be difficult to get comfortable in one when you have an injured shoulder. He supplemented his Portuguese with hand signs.

The boy’s demeanor suddenly became penitent. "Senhor, you should have asked for a hanging cot, or a pallet or extra blankets to make the floor more comfortable. How did you hurt your shoulder?" Both the statement and question were made in one breath.

Statement number one: everyone was busy. Question number two: I was dumped from my horse awkwardly and hurt my shoulder. Gazing out the window, Diego was able to tell that it was probably around noon.

Oh, I am very sorry to hear that, the boy said in a solemn voice.

"De nada, Diego said. It is mainly an inconvenience right now. Tell me your name, meu amigo."

"Amaro, Senhor," the boy answered.

By the way, may I assume that you came to inform me of dinner?

"Sim, Senhor, I was told to let you know the captain’s mess is open, if you would care to join Capitão Fortuna," Amaro told him.

"Obrigado, Amaro. Please inform the captain I will be along shortly."

"Sim, Senhor. And I left fresh water in your wash basin."

"Obrigado." The boy left, and Diego straightened himself out as best as he could. Although it took a little longer, he managed to change shirts and wash his face. It was at this time he could have used Bernardo’s help, and he found himself wondering what his long-time helper was doing right now. Maybe the captain would be able to spare the services of young Amaro for a short time each day.

Diego made his way into the captain’s mess, where he saw not only the captain, but also several other men who were already halfway through their dinner.

A little girl turned and stared at him. Diego’s jaw dropped. Martha Ann!

Diego! the little girl cried out, jumping down from her chair and running over to him where she hugged him tightly. He hugged her back.

Victoria turned and gaped at him for a few seconds before saying anything. Diego! I thought you were dead! When you escaped to the countryside and Sir William said you had been executed, I….

No, I am very much alive, Diego said, effectively cutting off any possible reference to the ‘Opium Bandit,’ especially if any of these men spoke English. Martha Ann pranced to the table and climbed back up on her chair. Diego was left wondering how Victoria knew about his alter ego.

Victoria understood immediately. I am so glad.

As am I, Diego said with a laugh. The entire conversation had taken place in English, and to Diego’s relief, the captain and the rest of his men looked confused.

It would seem that you three know each other, Fortuna said, smiling. "Come sit down, Senhor, Fortuna said, pointing to an empty chair. He turned to Victoria, and spoke to her in French. And now, madam, we will all be able to understand each other." Most of the language at the table was in Portuguese, but was liberally sprinkled with closely related Spanish words, intermingled with French and English. Diego felt no Ambassadors’ convention could be better represented by the array of tongues spoken at this dining table.

How do you three know each other? Fortuna asked when Diego was settled.

"Mrs. Meachem and her daughter were passengers on the China Star," Diego answered. He saw one of the officers sitting across the table gazing at him carefully through narrowed eyes. Somehow, Diego didn’t think the man was simply curious. The caballero spooned some of the food onto his plate. It appeared Fortuna had a very good cook.

"Senhor de la Vega, I trust you had a restful nap?" Fortuna asked.

"Sim, Capitão, but I will need to have the hammock removed. Until my shoulder is healed, I am unable to use it."

Fortuna expressed his sympathy for the injury. How did it happen?

Diego explained without going into detail. I had a fall from a horse. Would there also be a possibility of using Amaro for a short while each day? Maybe an hour or so? Only to help me with a few of those things which are most difficult to do one-handed.

The dour-faced officer across from him protested. "First of all the boy is too busy to be used anywhere else. And second of all, Senhor de la Vega, the payment for your passage barely covered the cost of the cabin and certainly did not include frills such as servants." The man was a small individual with nervous hands he couldn’t seem to keep still, running them constantly through his lank, sandy hair.

Diego knew for a fact the payment packet given to the captain before he boarded had more than enough money to cover any extra amenities. Having been the recipient of Qing Kang Zhu’s generosity in other ways, he knew His Highness would be no slacker in the payment of his passage. However, not anticipating this problem, Diego didn’t have a copy of the payment record.

He smelled a rat, and it certainly wasn’t in the bilge. Having heard of pursers who tried to put a little extra money in their pockets at the expense of ship owners or paying passengers, he knew he would have to be careful and try to bluff his way through this. It occurred to him in this case, the captain could be in on the swindle, too.

"Qual é o nome do Senhor?" Diego asked coolly, looking directly into the eyes of the purser.

Francisco Martinez, came the answer.

"Senhor Martinez, let me inform you that I have a letter from His Imperial Highness, Qing Kang Zhu, detailing everything pertinent to my passage, including the amount of money he put out for passage on two ships, one from Canton to Manila and the other from Manila to San Diego. That money, I was informed, also included meals and other sundry items. Knowing His Highness as I do, he was most generous. Senhor Batisto was merely a go-between. Do I need to go and get my copy of the itemized list of expenditures?" he asked in a low voice.

Martinez gaped at him for a moment, seemingly shocked at having been opposed. Then the purser paled as he realized the magnitude of his mistake. His quest for the contents of Diego’s passage money had made him less than discreet. "Nâo, Senhor de la Vega, Martinez stammered. Perhaps I just had trouble reading it, you know how the Chinese are about paper work."

"No, Senhor Martinez, I am unaware of problems with Chinese records. Perhaps you should bring the list and I can help you decipher it." Diego challenged him again, calling his bluff.

Oh, I am sure I just made an honest mistake, there is no need for that, Martinez said. He was sweating now and continually running his hand through his hair.

Hook, line and sinker, Diego thought with grim humor, using an old sailor’s analogy he had heard on the China Star.

Victoria and Martha Ann had listened to the verbal contest with interest but very little comprehension.

The captain had been a silent spectator during all of this, but finally spoke up. "Senhor Martinez, I would like to see this packet myself. Would you go with him, Senhor Stamos and help him find it? Fortuna said coldly. And you had better find it, Martinez."

The men left quickly. The captain turned to Diego. "Senhor de la Vega, I am truly sorry about this."

I appreciate your concern. I have no wish for anything to keep me from reaching my home in California, and I do know for a fact His Highness sent enough to get me back home to Los Angeles. In fact, I suspect he was most generous, and there is more than the minimal payment of the passage.

When the men came back, the list did indeed show ample payment made, although to Diego’s trained eye, it looked very much like some changes in amounts had already been made, and he said as much, as he counted out the money in the packet.

I have money that can supplement your fare if needed, Diego, Victoria said, realizing he was counting his passage money.

Thank you, Mrs. Meachem, but there is more than enough here for my entire passage across the Pacific, Diego said, fixing his gaze onto Senhor Martinez.

The purser/cargo master shot him a look of fiery hatred. Someone at the Portuguese Trade Commission must have made the changes. I did not, he protested.

Captain Fortuna looked at the list silently and then glared at Martinez. "I will inspect all of the manifests first thing tomorrow. They will be in order or you will be hanging from the yardarm, Senhor. I would look at them now, but my other duties will keep me busy throughout the remainder of the day."

Fortuna looked back at Diego. "Senhor, my most humble apologies for this terrible mistake, he emphasized the word mistake. You may