Episode #313

Part Four of Five

Montoya opened a book on his desk and flipped through the pages until he stopped and read in silence for a few seconds. He leaned over the chart, ran his finger down the row of dates and stopped, holding it down on one. He did the same with the report numbers, using a long ruler over the map to use as a straight line. He pointed to an X on the map. "There is a ninety percent probability that she will be here somewhere on the trail leading from the bluffs down to the beach between three and four thirty in the morning. This will make it just about moon rise five days and seventeen hours from now."

Major Dodd looked at the spot indicated. "If you know where she will be again, why not try another ambush, or better yet, a pincer movement with two columns of mounted soldiers, one pursuing down the trail and one working its way up from the beach?"

Montoya looked at Dodd in surprise. "We have chased her in this area several times already, close on her heels. There are many side trails and paths off the main trail for her to elude us and she knows them all quite well. The surrounding landscape is too rough and barren for a proper ambush." He moved his finger to another spot on. "You will be on this bluff over looking the trail with the Moon at your back. The distance is out of range of our smooth-bore muskets but well within that of your Baker rifle."

The Major looked up at Montoya. "I had to be sure you understood, Colonel, that you really do need my services and are not just using me as some kind of diversion for another plan that you're not telling me about. You know that she has frequented this area at this time of the month in the past, but how then do you account for random variables? She may not be in the mood to ride that night."

"I not only know her patterns of action and reaction, Major, but also her motivations. A few days before our operation, I will have a local arrested and sentenced to be shot at first light. When the Queen learns of this, it will most definitely bring her out for a moonlight ride. She will attempt to make her way into town to release the prisoner. Instead, she will find the Monterey Road heavily patrolled that night. She will be pursued and, based on her previous response, it will be a simple matter of driving her into your sights."

Dodd narrowed his eyes. "You’re not planning to execute an innocent man, are you?'

"I assure you, Major Dodd, that I am a just man and have only our best interests at heart. By no means would I do such an unspeakable act. This is merely the catalyst that will put our plan into motion." If I told him I planned on shooting a Frenchman, he wouldn’t object so much.

Montoya noticed a smile appear on Grisham’s face. Montoya gave him a look and Grisham lost the smile. Montoya motioned Dodd to the door. "In five days the Moon will be full and then we will act. Until then I suggest you remain our guest, safe and out of sight, in our hotel. I will post soldiers with muskets on the roof around the clock for your protection in case the Thunderbird reappears. Guards! Escort the Major to his hotel room. Take two more men with you and don't cross the square. Stay close to the buildings."

The Major stood up. "Thank you, Colonel, for your precautions, but keep in mind that the Thunderbird is very intelligent and knows how to stay out of musket range. Believe me, I have tried several times, even with the Baker, and the best I could do was knock off a tail feather." He looked over at his trunk.

"Don't be concerned, Major." Montoya assured him. "I'll have your tools of the trade returned to your room shortly. Good day." Montoya watched the Major go, rubbed his hand down his face and looked over at the clock on the mantel. "It is not even ten o'clock yet and it has already been a long day." He stood up and walked over to a cabinet.

Grisham remained in the office, looking uneasy. "Colonel, what about this Thunderbird? It's huge."

"Captain, I have seen many strange things in my life. Have you ever seen a man over seven feet tall? Or someone with six toes or fingers? Or even a two-headed snake? That bird is just a freak. I hope.

" Sir, do you plan on holding another party to see who does and doesn't show up?"

Montoya walked back over to his desk with a bottle of bourbon and a glass and sat down. "No, Grisham, I think not. It did not work the last time ,and I doubt that it would be any more successful now." He removed the cork and filled the glass half-full then held it up and studied it for a few seconds. He turned to Grisham and said. "Besides, if I were to expose Señorita Alvarado as the Queen in public, the Dons would defend her at all cost. For that type of plan to work properly she would first have to do something to lose her standing with the other Dons."

"Like marry Doctor Helm?" Grisham smiled evilly.

Montoya drank down the bourbon in one gulp and set the empty glass down. "That would do it very nicely. However, she not only has the support of her Uncle, Don Elizandro, but the other Dons as well. Besides, I have another suspect in mind who may turn out to be our Queen."

Grisham looked puzzled, "Who would that be, Sir?"

"All in good time, my Capitan." A Corporal appeared in the doorway and snapped to attention. Montoya looked up. "What is it, Corporal?"

"Sir, a dispatch rider was attacked a short time ago on the road from Monterey by the Queen of Swords."

Montoya shook his head. "Did she take anything from him?"

"No, Sir. She chased him, caught up and rode alongside for awhile. Then, she reached over, grabbed his boot and flipped him out of the saddle and rode away."

"Very well. That will be all, Corporal." The Corporal saluted turned and left. Montoya poured another drink. "See what I mean Grisham?"

"It looks like she's still alive."

"At least for the next five days, that is. Go see to the guard detail for our guest."

Grisham walked to the doorway, then stopped. He turned back to Montoya," Sir, if Major Dodd isn't successful, will you still pay him something so he will be able to leave Santa Elena?"

Montoya narrowed his eyes and returned a slightly evil look. "Firing a weapon in my office and scaring me out of ten years of my life? Bringing with him another plague down upon us? He'll get paid, all right. When we are through with the good Major, successful or not, you will take him as far out into the desert as you can and leave him there. Then, he and his large, feathered friend can work out their differences undisturbed. Close the door behind you on your way out."

Act Four

For the next five days, Major Dodd remained hidden in his hotel room as word of the Thunderbird spread throughout the surrounding ranchos. Many curiosity seekers traveled to Santa Elena in hopes of seeing the great condor. Montoya stood on his balcony, drinking a glass of wine and smiling as he watched the crowded square below. I wish that bird would make another appearance, if for nothing else than to attract even more people to Santa Elena. It is helping the economy. I wonder if keeping Major Dodd around as a permanent guest would guarantee the Thunderbird showing up every now and then. More people means more money spent and that turns into more tax money collected.