DEA RESPONSES FILE 2

by Dea
Deianira@prodigy.net

CHALLENGE: fog, message, spectacles

~~~~~

Robert Helm examined the black lace mask as it slid gracefully between his long fingers. He'd been sitting at the small table in his office most of the day, staring at the flimsy piece of material and wondering about its owner. Having found it on his doorstep following Senorita Alvarado's visit, he was inclined to think it had come from her. But how had she gotten a hold of the Queen's lace mask?

Then again, perhaps the mask had been dropped by the Queen during an earlier visit. Lord knows, she came to call often enough--not that he was complaining. Surely someone would have found it before now. Besides, the Queen usually preferred to come through his window rather than the door. No, it had to have been left there recently. The only two people he'd seen that morning had been Senorita Alvarado and Raphael, and he was fairly certain that the peasant farmer had little use for a lace mask. So it had to have been her. Again he wondered what she was doing with the mask....unless--

'Absolutely not!'

"You're mad, Robbie!" he chided himself. "That's about as likely as Montoya starting a Widows and Orphans fund."

Leaning back in his chair he concentrated on the lace once more. It looked like it might be uncomfortable but in actuality it was quite soft. Bringing it closer to his face he caught the faint scent of lavender. Could this delicate thing be all that stood between himself and the true identity of the Queen? Wasn't this what he wanted? Somewhere the Queen of Swords was running around without her mask, and here he was sitting alone in his office staring at a piece of material!

Sighing, his chaotic thoughts returned to his earlier theory, implausible as it sounded. Was it at all possible that Senorita Alvarado had this mask because...she was the Queen? It was a ridiculous thought! Maria Theresa Alvarado the Queen of Swords? True, he was trying to see the senorita in a different light. Trying to see that perhaps she wasn't as spoiled as she pretended to be. But why pretend at all? Unless it was a red herring? If she acted like an over-privileged daughter of a don, surely no one would expect her to don leather and lace and ride through the pueblo like some...avenging angel!

Still, to accuse a young woman of her social status of parading around as a masked bandit probably wasn't a very smart thing to do. He and the senorita were on thin ice as it was. If he accused her and was wrong...he'd never hear the end of it! No, he had to have some kind of proof. And of now, all he had was the mask. As he tapped his fingers on the tabletop the intelligence agent in him surfaced and a wry grin spread across his handsome face.

~~~~~

By the time he reached the Alvarado Hacienda that night there was a light fog drifting down from the mountains. Shrouded in mist, the big adobe house looked almost ethereal. He'd staked his horse some distance away from the building to allow for a quieter advance. Scanning the surrounding area he picked his way quickly toward the barn. Reaching a large bail of hay, he squatted down, his long duster enveloping him as he listened for any sound from the barn. Not hearing anything, he stood up and crept through the barn door.

Helm's footsteps were muffled on the dirt floor as he inched his way along the far wall. What exactly was he looking for? He figured he know when he saw it. He thought he heard a noise and cocked his head to one side. When the sound didn't come again, he started forward once more. He spotted a large opening where two of the walls came together and assumed it led to another part of the barn. His eyes finally adjusting to the dimness inside the building, he stepped gingerly through the opening and suddenly his world went black.

~~~~~

Tessa Alvarado had been unable to sleep. Since returning from Dr. Helm's office earlier in the day she'd been trying to decide what to do about telling him the truth. Obviously it wasn't as simple as she'd thought. The response she'd imagined while in the doctor's presence had been nothing like she thought it would be. Would he really be that angry with her? She had been hiding the truth from him for a long time now. She really couldn't blame him if he did react that way.

Pulling a thin robe over her night gown she had wandered out to the barn, not wanting to wake Marta. Her friend and confidante had warned her of the consequences of revealing her identity to the doctor...or anyone for that matter. When Tessa had let it slip that she'd intended to tell him that morning, Marta became quite agitated. Tessa knew she was only looking out for her safety, but she hated it when Marta was upset with her. When she'd told Marta she had accidentally "misplaced" a mask, the older woman had looked ready to throw her across her knee. After calming Marta down, Tessa prayed that she had lost the mask on the way back through the canyons and not in town. Still it would be difficult for anyone to link her with it.

She was standing in the half-light of the barn, running a brush over Chico's neck when she heard the noise. Instantly on alert, she put the brush down and crept toward the sound. She cursed under her breath for leaving her sword inside the house. Who would come into their barn at night? Bandits? Drifters? Edging along the wall, she caught sight of a half full bag of oats. Reaching down she gripped it tightly and hefted it over her shoulder. Silently she waited until she looked down and saw a pair of boots clear the threshold. Using all her might, she swung the bag up and over. The bag made contact with something and she heard a muffled groan followed by a loud thump.

Releasing her hold on the bag Tessa moved forward to see who had been lurking in their barn.

"Oh no!" she murmured, hands going to her mouth. "Dr. Helm!"

~~~~~

"Well you've certainly got his attention now Tessa," Marta replied, hands on her hips as she stood in the barn overlooking the sprawled out and unconscious figure of Robert Helm.

"Don't just stand there, Marta!" Tessa cried, kneeling beside him. "Use your smelling salts!"

"Did he see Chico?" Marta asked, glancing in the direction of the horse's stall.

"No, I don't think he had time before I...you know--"

"Madre de Dios," Marta exclaimed, "what did you hit him with?"

"Just the bag of oats!" Tessa insisted as she ran a hand alongside Helm's face. His features relaxed in oblivion, he looked just like a little boy sleeping.

Marta went to the bag and pulled open the drawstring.

"Tessa!" she scolded as she brought out the large metal scoop that had also been inside the bag of oats.

"Oops," Tessa cringed.

Shaking her head, Marta knelt down on Helm's other side and unstoppered a small vial. She was about to wave it under his nose when Tessa grabbed her arm.

"Wait!" Tessa said. "Marta look!"

Peeking out from one his coat pockets was a piece of black lace. Tessa reached over and pulled it out to reveal her missing mask.

Marta's eyes widened and she said, "Tessa! You said you lost your mask in the canyon!"

"I said I thought I lost it in the canyon!" Tessa replied, indignity and fear warring on her face. "I had hoped I'd lost it in the canyon!"

"Did Dr. Helm see you with it?" Marta demanded, concern for her Tessita causing her to raise her voice.

"No, I don't think so," Tessa said, trying to remember if he could have seen her with it in his office. "But I must've dropped it! Of course! I dropped it when I ran into Raphael! He had a chicken...I was distracted!"

Marta rolled her eyes and said, "Do you see now why it is dangerous to reveal yourself Tessa? If someone finds out it would mean dire consequences...for you and possibly for others--"

"Alright!" Tessa groaned. "I get the message Marta! I'll have to be more careful."

"You'd better be," Marta replied as she watched Tessa stuff the mask inside her robe.

Marta waved the vial under the doctor's nose and waited for his reaction. In just a few seconds, he was moaning and straining to open his eyes.

"Are you alright doctor?" Tessa asked anxiously.

Mentally swatting the cobwebs from his brain, Helm looked up to see two beautiful, feminine faces staring down at him. Dismissing the possibility of a really nice dream, he tried to sit up.

"Careful, Dr. Helm," Marta warned as she put a hand on his arm. "You had a pretty good knock on the head."

"Yeah, I did," he replied, reaching up to rub his forehead. "What happened?"

"I'm sorry, doctor," Tessa explained. "I thought you were a prowler. I...I hit you."

"With what?" he demanded weakly.

"Just a bag of oats," Tessa assured him, ignoring the look she got from Marta.

"Some damn hard oats," Helm mumbled. Then looking up at Tessa he asked, "You feed that to your horse?"

Tessa smiled nervously and Marta came to the rescue. "What exactly were you doing in here Dr.Helm?"

"I was, uhm," he sputtered, trying to think of a good reason. He hadn't thought he'd have to explain his little house call to anyone. "I was just checking on you ladies."

Tessa arched an eyebrow in Marta's direction.

"You see I heard from someone in town that there were bandits--"

"Bandits?" Marta questioned.

"Yes, bandits," Helm clarified as he slowly stood up, "in this area. So I just thought I'd ride out here and make sure things were alright. You can't be too careful, you know."

"Oh," Tessa said, hiding a grin as she and Marta stood. "And is the barn secured, doctor?"

"As far as I can tell," Helm said, glancing down at the formidable bag of oats, "you're completely safe."

"Well thank you doctor for your concern," Tessa said gratefully.

"Don't mention it," he replied, adding to himself 'ever.' "Well, then I'd best be heading back to town."

"Good night," Tessa called as she and Marta watched him walk out of the barn.

When they were sure he was gone, Marta turned to Tessa.

"He was checking on us?" she said doubtfully. "You know why he was here, Tessa."

"Yes I do," she answered pulling out the lace mask. "But at least he doesn't have this as proof any more."

~~~~~

Helm chided himself on his failed mission as he trudged out to where his horse was waiting.

'Way to go, Rob. Nice job. And what kind of lame excuse was that? Bandits? Checking on them?'

He sighed as he rubbed his head again and grimaced. He was already imagining the cold cloth he'd sleep with on his head tonight. No, it probably couldn't have gone worse. He hadn't found any other evidence to link Senorita Alvarado and the Queen of Swords. But at least he still had the mask.

He slipped his hand into his pocket and flinched. He fished inside the other and came up equally empty-handed. Then he was patting down his coat looking like an old man who'd lost his spectacles. Shoulders sagging, he let out a moan of defeat and swung himself onto his horse.

END

CHALLENGE: silver coins, hairbrush, seal

As much as I enjoyed writing "Mission: Ridiculous," my Helm muse was a little put out that I made him seem like a character out of the movie "Dumb and Dumber." :) So....to appease him, I've written an alternate version of Helm's confronting Tessa about the mask. It takes place right after the end of "To Tell the Truth."

~~~~~

He was about to take it around back when he noticed something fluttering in the breeze beside his door. Crouching down to look at it, he inhaled sharply as he realized what it was. A black lace mask. Reaching down he picked up the delicate bit of material in his hand and shut his eyes. When he opened them again it was to stare in the direction Tessa Alvarado had gone.

***

Robert Helm examined the black lace mask as it slid gracefully between his long fingers. He'd been sitting at the small table in his office most of the day, staring at the flimsy piece of material. It looked like it might be uncomfortable but in actuality it was quite soft. Bringing it closer to his face he caught the faint scent of lavender. It was amazing to think that this delicate thing was all that hid the Queen's true identity--an identity he was now certain of. Tessa Alvarado.

How could he not have seen it sooner? He was more than a little disgusted with himself for not coming to the conclusion without the aid of the mask the senorita had inadvertently dropped on his doorstep. But now that he knew the truth, it somehow all made sense. It was quite simple actually. He'd heard the rumors of the so-called accident Don Alvarado had been involved in. What better way to flush out the real cause of his death than by donning a mask of justice and becoming a vigilante?

Suddenly a thought assaulted him that made him uneasy. What about Montoya? Did the colonel know who the Queen was? Or was he as dense as he himself had been about the whole subject? Surely, he was unaware that Maria Theresa was the Queen or he would have acted on his hunch by now. Then again, it wouldn't be prudent, or wise, for Colonel Montoya to accuse the daughter of a don of such outrageous extracurricular activities without the proper evidence. Evidence such as the lace mask Helm now held in his hand.

When the initial shock wore off, the doctor mentally kicked himself for his treatment of Senorita Alvarado. How could he have been so attracted to the Queen, yet so disdainful of Tessa? She played her part of the spoiled aristocrat much too well. He had definitely been fooled. To him it only made her appear wiser for knowing so skillfully how to detach herself from her alter ego. Part of him was thrilled that he finally knew the truth, while another part was as confused as ever. How would she react to his knowing the truth? Would she hold his attitude toward Senorita Alvarado against him? He certainly hadn't made it easy for her.

He remembered that day after he had killed El Serpiente. She had come to him offering her understanding and compassion. What had he done? He had dismissed her like some bothersome child. He had told her she didn't know anything about life and death. Now he realized she knew plenty. Helm slowly brought the mask up to his face and for a moment, he saw what the world looked like through the Queen's eyes--the poor, the weak, the helpless. For some reason she'd taken it upon herself to make it all better. But at what cost?

The way he saw it, he could now do one of two things. He could destroy the mask so that no one would ever find it and continue to play his role in Tessa's charade, or he could call her on it. He could ride out to the Alvarado Hacienda and confront her with the evidence in his possession. Not because he wanted to expose her, but to let her know that he knew, and that she didn't have to pretend around him anymore.

With that decision made Helm shrugged into his long duster and tucked the piece of lace in his pocket.

***

He reached the Alvarado Hacienda just before dusk. The evening mists were rolling down from the mountains as well as from across the sea. The sun was just peeking above the far horizon now, and the half-light that shadowed the large adobe building gave just enough illumination for Helm to tether his horse out front and make his way up the steps to the double doors.

He knocked and waited. A few moments later Marta opened the door.

"Dr. Helm," she greeted pleasantly, "what brings you out here this evening?"

"I'm here to see Senorita Alvarado," he replied. "Is she available?"

"I'm afraid she is... out at the moment, doctor," Marta explained. Out planning to stop a shipment a gold and silver coins arriving from Monterrey, she added to herself.

"Oh," he said, the disappointment evident in his voice. Disappointment not only that he'd missed her, but that she was most likely out somewhere in a dangerous situation disguised as the Queen. Should he just let Marta know that he was aware of her mistress's secret? No, he wanted to speak to Tessa first. "Will she be back soon, do you think?"

I certainly hope so, Marta thought. For the sake of my nerves, at least.

"She should be coming back soon, doctor," she said. "Would you like to wait for her?"

Helm met her gaze. "Yes, I would like that very much."

"Come in, Dr. Helm," she instructed as she stood back to let the man pass. "Have a seat in here. Can I get you something to eat or drink? I've just made fresh sweet rolls."

He couldn't stop his mouth from watering at the prospect. He hadn't eaten much that day and it was catching up with him.

"That sounds delightful, senorita," he replied with a smile. "Only if it's not too much trouble."

"No trouble at all," Marta assured him as she headed for the kitchen. Before she was completely out of sight she called over her shoulder, "I will bring you something to drink as well."

When she'd gone, Helm surveyed the large living area he was in. Beautiful, expensive-looking paintings and tapestries hung on the whitewashed walls. Lush carpets rested on polished wooden floors. The window draperies still hung open letting in the coolness of the evening breeze. It was all very homey and inviting. Helm's eyes traveled above the hearth to see the imposing portrait of Don Alvarado.

Oh senor, he said to himself, have you any idea what your daughter is doing? The risks she's taking in the name of justice? I think she may be doing this because of what happened to you. I certainly hope you are watching over her.

Getting no response from the deceased don, Helm moved about the room as he waited for Marta to return. He could hear faint sounds coming from the kitchen--pots, pans and silverware clanking lightly. He'd reached the end of a small hallway when his eyes glimpsed the open door of a bedroom. Looking back over his shoulder he casually strolled in that direction.

What are you doing, Robbie? his conscience asked as he neared the open door, You've sunk to creeping about in women's bedrooms uninvited?

Ignoring the chiding voice in his head, Helm crossed the threshold into a room he soon discovered to be Senorita Alvarado's. He came to this conclusion upon seeing several recognizable dresses hanging in an open wardrobe. She must have left in a hurry to leave the door open, he thought absently. No costumes of black though. But of course she would keep those hidden from prying eyes. `Like mine.'

The bedroom was just as warm and cozy as the living area had been. Soft looking carpet underfoot, portraits on the walls, polished wooden furniture. There was an ornately carved dressing table in one corner boasting a beautiful beveled mirror. On top of the dresser was a red silk scarf that cushioned an ivory-handled hairbrush. He smiled, remembering how soft and shiny the Queen's--Tessa's--hair always seemed to be. Turning around he was greeted by the sight of a luxurious four-poster bed, draped in sheer, blue curtains.

Fit for a queen, indeed, Helm mused as he fingered the blue material.

"Dr. Helm! Is there something I can help you with?"

Helm spun around to see Tessa Alvarado standing in the doorway to the bedroom. Her long hair was slightly disheveled and her face was flushed as if she had been running. Hands on her hips, she looked a bit perturbed to find him in her room.

"He was waiting for you in the living room, Tessa," Marta, who was standing behind her mistress, felt compelled to explain. "I didn't know he was in here."

"We need to talk, senorita," Helm said, unable to completely keep the color from his own face at being caught in his reconnaissance.

"Marta, get some lemonade for our guest," Tessa said, her eyes not leaving the doctor's face.

"That's what I was doing," Marta replied a little too forcefully in Helm's direction. "Apparently he couldn't wait."

Helm sent Marta an apologetic look before she turned and left the room, leaving him and Tessa alone.

"So, doctor," Tessa said crossing her arms in front of her chest. She couldn't deny that she had imagined having him in her bedroom frequently, but somehow this wasn't how she had planned it. "What do you want to talk about?"

Sighing, Helm simply said, "I know."

"You know what?" Tessa asked with a nervous laugh. "You've never been one to talk in riddles, doctor. You've always been quite straightforward about your feelings... at least to me."

"I think this belongs to you," he replied, pulling out the black lace mask from his pocket and holding it out to her.

Tessa froze. She'd been worrying all day about losing that damn mask! Of all the people to find it! Still, what did it prove? "That's the Queen of Swords' mask!" she exclaimed, acting as though she were afraid to touch the thing. "Where did you get it?"

Helm's shoulders drooped. "Tessa..."

The sound of her name on his lips was oddly comforting, even though she was anything but comfortable at the moment.

"You can keep up this charade if you like," he continued softy, "but not with me."

Her survival instinct refused to surrender without a fight. "I'm sorry, Dr. Helm," she insisted as she walked past him toward the bed. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about. You find the Queen's mask and you automatically assume it's mine?"

"It was on my doorstep this morning after you left.."

"So anyone could have dropped it," she rationalized.

"Only the Queen would have had it to drop," he replied exasperated.

"Maybe it was dropped by the Queen. She certainly visits you often enough, doctor!"

"And how would you know?" he demanded.

Tessa opened her mouth to respond and realized he'd caught her in a lie. Closing her mouth, she just stood there stubbornly, daring him to say the words... to say that she was the Queen.

Helm was tired and frustrated. She was behaving like a child--and this time it wasn't an act for the pueblo's benefit. If she couldn't trust him enough to neither confide in him, nor even admit the truth when she knew that he knew...

He looked down at the mask in his hand as if he'd forgotten it was there. Reaching out he placed the black lace in Tessa's hand and closed her fingers over it. "You'd better keep this in a safe place, your highness. If Montoya had been the one to find it, I sincerely doubt he would've given you his seal of approval."

With that he turned and walked out of Tessa's bedroom, leaving her alone with his revelation.

END

CHALLENGE: rosary beads, wooden spoon, Oriental carpet

~~~~~

Tessa watched as Robert Helm walked out of her bedroom, and a few moments later she heard the front door open and shut. In the silence that followed, the stubbornness that had caused his abrupt departure faded and left her feeling alone and empty. Hugging herself she walked to her dresser and stared at her reflection in the mirror.

"Well, what are you going to do now?" she asked the image.

With a shake of her head she reached out and opened a small drawer in the middle of the dresser. Gently fingering the rosary beads that lay tucked inside she sent a silent prayer to the Holy Mother asking for wisdom and guidance. Closing the drawer she turned and left the room.

As Tessa entered the kitchen she saw Marta stirring a pitcher of lemonade with her wooden spoon.

"Don't bother, Marta," she said dejectedly. "He's gone."

Marta stopped stirring and put the spoon on the counter. Looking at the sad face of her charge she asked, "What happened?"

"He knows," Tessa replied with a helpless shrug of her shoulders.

"Dr. Helm knows that you are the Queen of Swords?"

Tessa only nodded and sank into one of the kitchen chairs.

"How?" Marta asked as she joined her at the table.

Tessa ducked her head guiltily.

"When I went into town this morning, I had intended to tell him myself," Tessa explained quietly. "I lost my nerve and couldn't do it. As I was leaving his office I accidentally dropped one of the Queen's masks. He found it."

"And came here to confront you," Marta supplied.

"What do I do now, Marta?" the younger woman asked. "When he confronted me I wouldn't admit that it was me, but he knows Marta. He knew without me evening saying so."

"There's only one thing you can do, Tessita," Marta said. "You have to go settle things between the two of you. Is he willing to keep your secret?"

"Of course Marta!" she replied passionately. Then added a little less surely, "I mean, I think so... yes, I'm absolutely... pretty sure he will..."

"Tessa," Marta cut in with a sigh.

"Alright, I'm going into town," she relented. "It'll give me a chance to break in a new mask."

"You're going as the Queen?"

"Why would Maria Theresa Alvarado be going to visit the doctor at this time of the evening?" Tessa replied in answer.

As she dressed, Tessa's heart began to feel a bit lighter. After all, Dr. Helm had told her that he loved her. Well, maybe not in so many words, but when Camilla left he said he had stayed in Santa Elena because of her. Again she regretted leaving him there on that cliff overlooking the sea. Was she ready to say now what she was afraid to say then? And could he love Tessa as well as the Queen?

It was time to find out.

~~~~~

Robert Helm finally rode back into town and tethered his horse in the stables. After he'd watered and rubbed the animal down, he entered his office through the back door. No sooner had he entered and shrugged off his coat he heard movement in the front room. Making his way through the surgery and towards the front office he marveled that Tessa had made it there so fast.

However when he reached the office he did not find Tessa, or the Queen. It was Chencho, one of Montoya's soldiers, standing at attention by the now opened front door.

"Doesn't anyone knock around here?" he asked sarcastically.

Ignoring the doctor's retort, Chencho formally announced, "Colonel Montoya wants to see you in his office at once!"

"Is that a fact?" Helm replied sourly. He didn't need this tonight. His mind was already running in circles about his latest meeting with Tessa Alvarado. All he wanted to do now was get some sleep. Perhaps things would look better in the morning. "Why don't you go back and tell Montoya that my office is closed for the night and that I am officially off duty."

The soldier looked a bit nervous, no doubt imagining Montoya's reaction if he did not return with the doctor, and clarified, "It is not a request, doctor."

Helm clenched the jaw and made a sweeping gesture toward the door. "After you!"

He followed Chencho down the empty street and then up the stairs to Montoya's office. After the soldier had announced them Montoya dismissed him and rose to greet his guest.

"Dr. Helm," he said, indicating the vacant chair in front of his desk, "how kind of you to accept my invitation."

"Well actually I was about to turn in," Helm replied tiredly. Looking around him, he wondered how much of the people's money had gone into furnishing the room. The trappings of fortune met him everywhere he looked. Spying the expensive looking Oriental rug beneath his feet, he mused, That's new. Must have brought it back with him from Monterrey.

"Yes, you do look quite haggard, doctor," Montoya agreed with an expression of concern. "I noticed you were just returning to town. Where have you been at such a late hour?"

Helm laughed to himself. The colonel was always mining for information that he could use against others. He was not about to give him any unnecessary ammunition. "I had to ride out to the Salida ranch. One of the children was ill."

"Oh dear, I do hope everything is alright?"

"The boy will be fine, Colonel," Helm replied with a smile. "And I'm sure the Salidas would be pleased to know that you inquired about them." Despite raising their taxes threefold last month.

"My responsibility is to the people, Dr. Helm," Montoya explained as he rose from his desk and walked around to the front. "As a doctor, I am sure that is something you understand."

Helm didn't respond, just held the Colonel's piercing gaze.

"And it is as a gentleman with responsibility to the people of our fair town that I must ask you doctor, who is the Queen of Swords?"

Helm let out a bark of laughter. "How should I know?"

"Doctor, please, it is well known that you and the bandita are rather... close these days," Montoya said, his lips curling up in distaste. "She seems to rescue you on a regular basis. Need I remind you of the time I caught you both on the cliff top? Oh yes, that was the time that you threatened to shoot me!"

"The gun wasn't loaded," Helm replied dismissively.

"That time," he pointed out. "Are you telling me that after all this time, she has never revealed herself to you? Never removed her mask in a moment of, shall we say, passion?"

"This is absurd!" Helm exclaimed as he stood from the chair. "This little get together is over, Colonel. I'm going to bed now."

"Alone?" Montoya asked acidly. "If I were to follow you back to your office would I find the Queen waiting there?"

"If she was it certainly wouldn't be any of your business!" Helm said as he marched to the door.

"Ah but I'm afraid it is my business, doctor," Montoya insisted in a non-threatening voice. "Catching that vigilante is most certainly my business. And catch her I will. And it is you who will lead me to her. Whether you want to or not."

Helm didn't say a word. He just stalked out of the room without a backwards glance.

~~~~~

When Helm reached his office he was barely in control of his anger. So when he heard a noise coming from inside he strode through the door ready to verbally assault the intruder. Instead he entered his sleeping area to find Tessa sitting on the edge of his small cot. When she turned and saw him there, she stood up and took a few steps in his direction. Then in a move he'd thought never to see, she reached up and pushed the black mask up over her forehead. Standing there with her hands casually on her hips, she smiled nervously and said, "Good evening doctor."

The gesture of trust shot straight to his heart and in two long strides he was at her side, pulling her into his arms. "Tessa," he whispered before claiming her mouth. They spent several moments greeting each other accordingly, but his pleasure at seeing her was soon pushed aside by his fear for her safety. Breaking the kiss, he said, "Tessa, you mustn't come here any moreàat least not dressed as the Queen."

At her look of confusion, he continued, "Montoya will not be put off forever. He thinks that I will lead him to you. And I will not be the reason for your capture."

"I can take care of myself," Tessa insisted, more upset with Montoya than with Helm's advice.

"I know you can," he replied, placing his hand on the side of her face. "Which is why I know that you will do the right thing."

Turning away from him, Tessa said, " There's something I have to know. Are you angry with me for lying to you?"

Helm took her shoulders gently in his hands and caressed them through the thin fabric of her blouse. "I know why you had to lie."

"That doesn't answer my question, doctor," Tessa reminded him. "Are you mad at me?"

Turning her around to face him he smiled and shook his head.

Visibly relieved by his admission, Tessa lightly grasped the sides of his face and guided his lips to hers for one more kiss. Then as she turned to leave, he stopped her with a hand on her arm.

"Be safe," he said and pulled the mask back down over her face.

"Always," she replied with a grin as she gracefully exited through the open bedroom window.

END

RATING: PG
SPOILERS: The Hanged Man, The Pretender
CHALLENGE: pouch, sand, card

~~~~~

Tessa Alvarado strode through the pueblo with a huge smile on her face. The sun was warm on her shoulders and her heart was lighter than it had been in a long time. She felt she and Dr. Helm had at last come to some sort of understanding regarding the Queen. Remembering how he'd welcomed her in his bedroom that last night made her wonder when she'd start calling him by his Christian name. It seemed strange to keep calling him `doctor,' but she admitted to herself that it had become a habit. And of course, in public, it was the only proper address. But in private...

On that pleasant note, she picked her way through the thick crowds of people who had gathered in the square for the celebration. To Tessa's surprise, Colonel Montoya had acquiesced to the dons' insistence that a party be thrown in Captain Grisham's honor. The dubious fact that his Capitan had saved not only the town but also the lives of several of its most prominent citizens seemed to make Montoya slightly wary, but a fiesta was a wonderful way to curry favor with the people of Santa Elena, and the Colonel had apparently grabbed at the chance.

Tessa always enjoyed a good fiesta. They reminded her of her childhood in Spain before her mother died... of the times she accompanied her parents into town for sweet bread and sugary candies and lively music. Tessa smiled and turned to the woman beside her.

"Isn't this lovely, Marta?" she asked her companion. "The decorations are so colorful, and just listen to the musicians! And what is that incredible smell?"

Marta chuckled softly at the sight of her young charge. She looked like the little girl she first met in Spain. Not for the first time, she thanked God that he had brought the two of them together. Marta knew that little Tessa had not been the only one in need of a friend.

"It is delightful," Marta said, "Although I do not think that Grisham would agree."

Both women looked up to see Montoya and Grisham standing on the balcony of Montoya's office. The captain was surrounded by dons patting him on the back and touting his bravery. Grisham indeed looked uncomfortable and very out of his element. Despite all his bravado with his soldiers it was obvious that Grisham wished to keep a low profile and the praise of the dons unsettled him.

"I still can't believe Colonel Montoya threw him this party," Tessa said.

"Yes, I wonder what he asked of Grisham in return?" Marta asked slyly.

"Maybe a promise to finally catch the Queen of Swords," Tessa suggested under her breath.

"Bite your tongue, Tessita," Marta replied.

Tessa grinned at Marta and the older woman announced, "I'm going to buy some spices. I am making paella tonight."

"Oh I love your paella, Marta!" Tessa enthused.

"I know," Marta said as she headed toward the market stalls.

With a small wicker basket over her arm, Tessa tightened her grip on the small leather pouch of coins she'd brought with her and set out to explore the many wares and crafts that had been set out for the fiesta. As she neared the center of the square the music coming from the Rose Courtyard intensified. A harmonious guitar melody mixing with the lively step of flamenco dancers with castanets wove its way around the tables and chairs that had been set up in the garden. The vibrant sounds made Tessa want to dance.

On either side of the main street were stalls and tables piled high with food and other goods. The smell of freshly baked bread led Tessa to one stall in particular. When she saw the jelly-filled pastries lined up like jewels she quickly purchased two. She placed one in her basket and bit into the other. Delicioso! she thought, licking the sugary glaze from her fingers.

As she walked on, she noticed some very interesting glass jars filled with sand. The sand had been dyed different colors and poured into the small jars creating beautiful patterns and designs. As she stopped to examine them she heard a familiar voice say, "The desert sands never looked more inviting."

Tessa looked up to find Robert Helm standing beside her, hands casually stuffed in his trouser pockets. She smiled as she silently admired the deep blue vest that fit snugly over his chest. The crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up to the elbows, showed off his nicely toned arms and if Tessa had been carrying her fan she would have had to use it.

"Good day, Dr. Helm," she said politely, trying not to appear too eager beneath the watchful gaze of the senora selling the glass jars of sand.

"Are you enjoying the fiesta, senorita?" he asked, returning her guarded response.

"Very much, and you?"

"It definitely has its good points," he replied. Cocking his head to one side, he seemed to be staring at her mouth.

"What are you looking at?" she asked nervously.

"You have, uhm," the doctor said, pointing to his own mouth, "it looks like... jam of some sort..."

"Jam?" she questioned as she daintily wiped at one side of her mouth with her finger.

"Yes, jelly," he clarified, shooting furtive glances at all the people milling about. "Other side."

She swiped at it again but missed it entirely.

This tiptoeing around is ridiculous! he thought to himself.

"Oh what the hell," he muttered and reached out to wipe the jelly from her mouth with his thumb.

Surprised at his bold public display, Tessa replied almost shyly, "Thank you doctor."

"Care to walk?" he asked motioning to the street. At her nod, he placed his hand at the small of her back, barely touching her as he led her away from the stall.

They walked in silence for a few moments, each taking in the sights and sounds of celebration in Santa Elena. Helm noticed that some of the dons were gathered at a table in the cantina playing cards. He smiled ruefully as he remembered the last time he had played poker with them. They hadn't been aware of his skill at the game. He decided that must be the reason why he was never invited back.

Keeping his gaze ahead of them, Helm ventured, "I've missed you."

Tessa turned to look at him profiled against the bright sky. It had been two days since she had left his office after finally revealing herself to him. She'd come to town as the Queen twice since then, but recalling his warnings about Montoya she had forgone any nighttime visits.

"Have you missed me or the Queen?" she asked impudently as she tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear.

"One and the same," he grinned, meeting her eyes.

"Not to Montoya," she replied softly.

"Thank goodness," he agreed, sidestepping one of the many laughing children who seemed to be everywhere enjoying the fiesta.

"Tessa!"

Tessa looked up at the sound of her name and saw Marta leaning against a stall beneath the shade of an umbrella. When she caught the younger woman's eye she motioned her over.

"Excuse me, doctor," Tessa said brightly and turned to go to her friend.

"Now that's a very pretty sight, isn't doc?"

Helm turned to find Captain Marcus Grisham standing at his side, arms crossed over his chest as he watched Tessa's form glide away from them.

"If it isn't the guest of honor," Helm replied tightly. He was still smarting from the fight they'd engaged in a few days before. Grisham wasn't exactly someone he wanted to see that day... or any day for that matter. "The dons get tired of coddling you?"

Grisham laughed quietly. "Well, at least they know who the real men are in this town."

Helm's mouth drew into a thin line but he kept his tongue.

"Too bad you were out of town when Krane was here," Grisham went on with a smirk. "I'd have enjoyed seeing you behind bars with the others. Then again, I doubt he would have bothered with you, doc. It's not like you have anything to take."

"And I guess you were just lucky the piece of scum knew you personally," Helm replied casually, refusing to rise to the bait. "I wonder what else is going to come crawling out of your illustrious past."

"I could say the same about you," Grisham said smiling. "Latham really livened up this place for awhile."

From across the square Tessa could see that Helm was glaring daggers at Grisham. Marta had called her over ostensibly to ask her opinion on some spices for the paella, but she had quickly asked how it was going with Helm. She had assured her things were going very smoothly, but now she worried what would come of the confrontation between the two men.

Hoping to diffuse the situation she made her way back to them and beamed, "Captain Grisham! Congratulations on such a selfless and brave act! Thank goodness you were here to save the dons. I'm sure that Colonel Montoya is very proud of your actions."

Unlike the dons' gratitude, Grisham soaked up her praise like a sponge. He made a slight bow and replied, "I was only doing my job, Senorita Alvarado. Now if I may be so bold, could I interest you in a dance in the Rose Courtyard?"

Tessa cut her eyes to Helm who looked a bit shocked by Grisham's invitation. Shaking her head she began, "Captain, I..."

"I only want to see you enjoying this fine celebration," he continued. Then with a look in Helm's direction he confided, "and frankly I just don't see that happening right now."

"Actually, Senorita Alvarado has already accepted my offer of a dance in the Rose Courtyard," Helm informed the captain. Turning a gaze to Tessa that said, I hope, he gallantly presented his arm.

The gesture brought a smile unbidden to her face and as she placed her hand on his arm she replied, "How kind of you doctor."

Grisham rolled his eyes as he stood there with his hands on his hips, watching the two of them walk away together.

"What just happened here?" he asked himself out loud. "I don't understand."

"What is the matter, Capitan?" Colonel Montoya asked as he came up behind Grisham. "Are you, how do they say, losing your touch?"

Not bothering to hide a grimace, Grisham replied, "I thought Helm didn't even like her. He's certainly brushed her off enough. Now suddenly they're all warm and cozy? How did I miss this?"

"Do you find it so difficult to believe that the doctor has simply succumbed to Senorita Alvarado's not insignificant charms?" Montoya nearly purred. He was not unwilling to admit that he enjoyed his Capitan's distress. Especially after he had been planning to blow up his coach.

"That was some quick turnaround," Grisham persisted. "Wonder what his Queen would say if she saw him getting so friendly with another woman?"

"Perhaps you should tell her the next time you see her," Montoya mocked. "Maybe she will be so bereft she will simply surrender herself to you."

Grisham opened his mouth to reply but Montoya silenced him with a look. "You have more important things to do than pick fights with the town doctor. Let him have his fun with Maria Theresa. Sooner or later he will be in contact with the Queen. And when he does I will be there."

Montoya started to walk off, then stopped. Without turning around he added, "Besides, next time you start a fight with him, I may not be there to rescue you, Capitan."

As Montoya strode away, Grisham could hear him laughing.

END

After watching the last scene between Helm and Montoya in "The Pretender" I thought we needed this. :) It's also my challenge story for this week.

CHALLENGE: El Camino Real, pocket watch, scissors
SPOILERS: The Pretender

~~~~~

Tessa watched as Marta pulled the door to her bedroom closed behind her.

"How is he doing?" she asked.

"He's sleeping like the dead," Marta said quietly. "He's had a rough day."

"He's had a rough childhood," Tessa replied, hands on her hips.

A few hours earlier the Queen had watched uncertainly as Andreo Reyes confronted the two people who had been masquerading as his parents for the past 15 years. She had returned later as Tessa Alvarado and convinced the boy that he should stay the night at her hacienda. After what he'd endured the past couple of days, she didn't think he should be alone.

"I'm going out for awhile, Marta," Tessa announced as she headed towards the door that led to the hidden room. "I'll be back later."

"The Queen rides tonight?" Marta asked curiously.

"I just want to go thank Dr. Helm for all his help with Andreo," she explained innocently.

"And you can't thank him as Tessa Alvarado?" the other woman inquired, just the hint of a smile on her lips.

Tessa returned the wry smile and answered, "Somehow I think the Queen would be more welcome."

Marta just raised an eyebrow and watched her young charge leave the room.

~~~~~

Edging along the side of the doctor's office she peaked inside the window that opened into what passed for a bedroom. She could see lantern light coming from the front office and heard the sound of muffled footsteps. Looking around her to make sure the coast was clear, she postitioned herself and gracefully slipped over the window ledge and into the empty room.

She turned the corner into the front office and found Dr. Helm leaning against the examining table, his right hand submerged in a bowl of water. On the table in front of him lay some white bandages and a scissors. Coming up silently behind him she tapped him on the shoulder. Helm jumped, sloshing water all over the table.

"Your sudden appearances work wonders for my nerves, your highness," he said wryly after he'd turned to see that it was her.

"My apologies, doctor," she said smiling. "I didn't know you were so jumpy."

"It's true, I shouldn't be surprised by your nightly visits anymore," he said, eyes returning back to his soaking hand. "Must just be human nature."

"Must be," she agreed sweetly.

"I could fairly set my pocketwatch by your arrivals," he went on, a smile tugging at his mouth.

"Well it's good to know I'm useful for something," she replied. Then looking over his shoulder she saw that the knuckles of his hands were raw and red. Both looked bad, but the right one even more so.

"What happened?" she asked, not unconcerned.

"Nothing much. Grisham and I just had a little disagreement over Andreo's lodgings. He thought the boy needed to be in jail, and I thought differently."

"You got into a fight with him?" she asked coming around the table to face him. That's when she saw the ugly bruise on his cheek. It seemed to change from blue to green right before her eyes. "Dios! I've missed a lot in town today."

"Well we can't all ride through the coutryside fighting evil," he explained, as he reached for a towel to dry his hands. "Some of us have to deal with what's in our own backyard."

"That's what I came to talk to you about," she said, taking the cloth from him and gingerly dabbing the water drops from his hands. The table between them, she caressed the strong lean hands with the towel, being extra careful of the damaged knuckles. "You don't have to worry about Andreo anymore."

His eyebrows rose and she didn't know if the look of surprise on his face was a result of her last statement or the fact that she was now gently drying his hands. "I intercepted the stage to Monterrey and we were able to confront the imposters. It wasn't a pretty sight. Andreo wanted to kill them both. I convinced him to let them stand trial instead. They'll be on El Camino Real by morning headed to Monterrey."

"And Montoya?" he asked.

The Queen grinned as she set the damp towel on the table and picked up one of the long white bandages. "Well, I'd guess he's probably nursing the new bump on his head."

Helm smiled, the skin around his eyes crinkling, as she took his right hand in her gloved ones and began wrapping the bandage around the battered knuckles.

"I also wanted to thank you for all the help you gave Andreo."

His eyes carefully following her ministrations he shrugged, "Anyone would have helped him."

"You know that's not true," she chided softly. "Grisham didn't. Montoya certainly didn't. I take that back, he did help. He just helped the wrong people. Sometimes I have to wonder about that man's priorities."

"He's a complicated man," Helm said shaking his head.

"He's a dangerous man, doctor," she replied, meeting his gaze. Having sufficiently wrapped his hand, she picked up the scissors and snipped the extra length from the bandage. Proudly surveying her handiwork she asked, "How's that? Think I'd make a capable nurse?"

"The most important things in a doctor or nurse, I think, is a kind heart and the desire to make things better," he said kindly. "Sounds a bit like your job description, doesn't it?"

His comment made her feel warm inside. It also surprised her. He usually condemned the Queen's actions. Could that have actually been a compliment?

"Then again, I don't know any nurses who carry a sword and use a whip," he added with a smirk.

Ah, there he was. There was the doctor she knew and...loved?

"Well, I'll be on my way, then," she said with a grin. "Don't worry. I know the way out."

That brought a laugh from him as he experiementally flexed his bandaged hand.

"Thanks again for caring about Andreo."

Nodding solemnly, he replied, "Can you imagine how he must feel? Knowing his parents were murdered?"

Yes, she answered silently. I know exactly how he feels. She remained silent though, praying that what he could see of her face hadn't already betrayed her. "Adios doctor."

As she exited through the window his compassionate voice floated back to her, "Adios senorita."

END