Grisham countered, "No, that’s not Carlos; it's Don Rameriz."

She took the dagger by the blade and tapped him on the head with the handle.

"Ouch! why do you always keep doing that? Every time we meet you end up hitting me on the head. I think it's starting to affect me."

When he was finished whining, she placed her gloved hand under his chin, turned his head back towards the body and said, "He was another nephew. I believe he came here from France, and was working behind the scenes with Montoya to stir up trouble with the Dons. Another one of his land grab schemes, no doubt, but on a larger scale."

Grisham turned his head back to her and said, "This is all news to me. I wonder why he didn’t let me in on it?"

"I guess, when you're responsible for starting a revolution, the fewer people who know, the better."

Grisham shook his head up and down and said, "Yeah, and he almost succeeded in doing just that, at my expense. So, what’s your message?"

"Tell Montoya that I know all about his plan and how he was going to execute it. If I have to, I can prove it to the Council of the Dons. I will make him this offer. If he agrees to repeal the tax increase that started all of this, I won't let Don Gaspar and the others discover the rest of the story. Because, if that does happen, we will be right back at the brink of a revolution. This time, it may end up destroying Santa Elena, and if it should succeed, then there'll be no need for a Captain of the Guard."

He said, "Done. And thanks again for rescuing me."

She started cutting his ropes while she said, "Just remember that the next time you're trying to kill me."

Rubbing his wrists, he said, "I was just obeying orders."

She stepped back. "I wonder how many times that’s going to be used for a excuse."

He looked at her and smiled. "Actually, deep down I kind of like you."

She took a quick step forward, pushing him up against the post, and in a instant had the blade of her main gauche up to his throat. Angrily, she said, "Now, don't you start."

Sweat started to roll down Grisham’s face.

Epilogue

On a sunny afternoon a week later, Marta crossed the square in Santa Elena and navigated through the crowd on this very busy market day. As she carried a basket of groceries in her arms, she noted that the town was alive with activity, as the local farmers had brought their goods into town to sell and trade. Passing the fountain, she saw Tessa stepping into the square as she left Doctor Helm's office. Marta changed direction to intercept her charge and soon, they were walking side-by-side.

"So, how was your visit with Doctor Helm?" asked Marta.

Tessa turned to her with a raised eyebrow and gave her a sheepish grin, as she answered Marta’s question with a one of her own, "So, how was your visit with Vlad the blacksmith?"

Marta smiled and replied, "It was nice, but maybe not as nice as yours."

They both start to giggle like two schoolgirls. Walking by the rows of items for sale, Tessa noticed that among one farmer’s produce and woven baskets was a box full of shiny brass buttons. Tessa made eye contact with him and smiled. He smiled back and tipped his straw hat to her and Marta as they walked past.

"Did Doctor Helm mention how Vera is doing?" asked Marta.

Without looking at her, Tessa said, "Yes, he did. He was out to see her just yesterday. She is still resting and is expected to make a full recovery. It is sad that she lost the baby."

"Yes, but it was a good thing that he was there when it happened. He saved her life," replied Marta.

Crossing in front of the Cantina and the open-air cafe, they saw Don Gaspar and Colonel Montoya sitting at a table together having lunch. Even at a distance and over the noise of the crowd, they could hear them laughing.

Tessa turned to Marta. "Ahh, it looks like things are back to normal around here. When Montoya unexpectedly repealed the new tax increases, it took the steam out of the Council of the Dons."

Upon reaching the surrey, Marta placed the groceries in the back while Tessa climbed up onto the boot. Marta untied the horse from the hitching post and joined her. They finally made it out of the crowded town and soon were on the open road headed home.

Marta noticed that Tessa was staring off to one side, deep in thought. "Are you all right?" asked Marta.

"I was just thinking how Montoya just stood there without the least sign of remorse when the Viceroy presented Don Gaspar with that medal for shooting Miguel," replied the young Doña.

"Rameriz had it coming to him for a long time. His fate finally caught up with him, just like it will with all of us someday. It was his time," said Marta, nodding her head.

Tessa saw a soldier on horseback, galloping in their direction. "Stop the carriage," said Tessa, placing her hand on Marta’s arm.

Seeing them stop, the soldier pulled on the reins and brought his horse to a halt as he neared them.

"Good day, Señorita Alvarado and Señora Marta!" said the young officer.

Tessa smiled. "Carlos, I thought you were transferred to the garrison in Monterey."

He replied, "I was recalled to Santa Elena. Soon, I will be helping my uncle hunt the Queen of Swords"

Tessa's mouth dropped open. "Why, Carlos? I thought you were in her debt?"

"Yes, very true. I owe her my life. Maybe I should have been more exact. I hunt her for a very different reason than Uncle Luis. You see, she has stolen something of mine," replied Carlos.

Tessa interrupted, "What could she have, or rather, what do you believe she has stolen from you?"

A broad smile came to his face. "My heart! Now, if you ladies will excuse me, I must not be late reporting in." Tipping his hat, he spurred his horse and was once more galloping away towards the Pueblo.

Tessa was speechless, and just stared at the spot where Carlos had been, with an expression on her face that was somewhere between shock and surprise.

Marta leaned towards her with a smile on her face. "As you were saying, everything around here is back to normal. Now, you will have two suitors to deal with."

"Two?" asked Tessa.

"The young, love-sick Carlos chasing the Queen, and Doctor Helm chasing the Queen and Tessa Alvarado," replied Marta as she snapped the traces and put the wagon in motion.

Watch for the next exciting adventure, Devil on Their Shoulders, part one - Episode #306, starting on December 1, 2002.

If you have missed any episodes, you will find them in the Season Three Archives section.