Guerrero (Warrior) Book Iii

By William Bateman Jr.

The circle is closed as the boys in their desperation to flee from the wrath of Pancho Villa return to the very place they started from, the Hacienda De Venge, in hopes of throwing off Villa, if he has any thoughts of revenge for when they helped free Don Juan Belden.
Once back at the Hacienda, the brothers realize that this is where their roads to the future bring them to a parting of ways. The boys have come home after over two years of being away only to find that they are now in a war of will and nerves in order to win the love of Don Cristobals daughters, Carmela and Alberta. The brothers find that they must bump heads with the two suitors the girls have acquired in their absence, and it turns out to be a war of a different type, a war where there are no physical adversaries or material foes. But after surviving run-ins with bandits, thugs and Mother Nature, the brothers, used to adversity, take on this new challenge without complaining.
This story is a mixture of fiction with a large dash of fact, and was inspired by my fertile imagination and the many stories I was told by a very credible and wonderful man who lived through it all and shared his past with me.

WB.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 29, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477298299

William Bateman Jr.

William Bateman Jr. was born August 20, 1933, in Newark City, at a city hospital. He joined the United States Air Force on February 6, 1952, and served for twenty-one years, retiring on October 1, 1972. He worked for federal services for thirty-seven years, finally retiring in 1995.

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© 2012 William Bateman Jr. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 03/02/2015

ISBN: 978-1-4772-9830-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-9829-9 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Return to the Hacienda De Venge

Chapter 2 Enter Ricardo Cadiz

Chapter 3 Confrontation

Chapter 4 The Visitors

Chapter 5 Mexico City and Ricardo Cadiz

Chapter 6 Institute De Alto Aprodizaje De Mexico Cuidad

Chapter 7 The End of an Era

INTRODUCTION

The story continues as the brothers decide to turn their horses South and return to where it all began for them:
the Hacienda De Venge.

Not knowing whether or not the Hacienda had survived the two long years that they had been gone. Their main worry was that they would not be welcomed or even remembered if the Hacienda was still standing.

And if it wasn’t still standing, they would have to figure things out from there where to go, and what to do. But, to their amazement, the Hacienda was still standing
and alive, thriving with the constant building, with its many vaqueros, and others.

Once the boys rode up to the Hacienda’s gates, they knew that they were finally home. They were spotted by the lookout, who challenged them. When they told him who they were, the gates swung open and the first person they saw was Miguel Cruz, who rejoiced at seeing them. "Nam de Dios! Amigos! Where have you been! It’s so good to see you! Ayee!"

Their victorious return to the Hacienda was sealed when they were in front of Don Cristobal and Dona Antonia, who welcomed
them back with opened arms, and so, the adventure continues.

This bit of Historical Fiction was inspired by true events

In Loving Memory of:

Francisco Aguilar


(Of the Eagles)

1901-1990

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

There are many people involved in making this novel possible. I will always be in debt to Raymond Barron (My Interpreter).

By his being the Liaison between Mr. Francisco Aguilar and me.
By his having the patience to sit and interpret ‘This Man of his Times’ Mr. Aguilar’s words to me.
I want to thank my immediate family for their support throughout the many years it took me to write this novel.

My Ex-wife: Trinidad M. Aguilar

My Sons: Gilbert M. Aguilar, Estevan M. Bateman, Diego M. H. Bateman,

My Daughters: Yolanda K. Aguilar Carissa D. Bateman Evita V.R. Bateman.

They were all an integral part of my writing Mr. Francisco Aguilar’s story. And I want them to know that without them and their support, this book would never have been. I thank them all for their constancy in my life.

I want to thank my dearest and closest confidante` Ms. Andrea P. Harper who was always there for me whenever I needed supplies and a re-establishment of my confidence, she was that person always there for me.

I want to thank my oldest son Dr. Ronnie W. Arrington, my DNL Elnora, and my two wonderful Grandchildren Natasha and Roderick for their support and encouragement in this long Odyssey of writing.

I must thank my sister Carol A. Blank (An Artist), and my brother Charles R. Bateman (A Retired Professor in English)

I want to thank the ton of family that I have; they all made their contributions in one way or another by urging me onward.

I also want to thank my neighbors, my friends and scholars, Patrice Meighan, along with Lauren Simpson, and Rose McGillivray (My Editor), for helping me re-learn the bare essentials of the English language. And for the many times they helped me whenever I had questions.

And for the many people with their inspirational push that I needed to continue writing this story. Such as when Mr. Joe Martinez; Who owns a Boxing Gym in San Pedro, CA. and who gave me a poster of Antonio Banderas, Starring "Pancho Villa as Himself. Telling me to: Place this poster on the wall near where you’re writing your books for inspiration."

Thanks to Catherine Adams, Senior of the Book Doctors of IOWA and her crew, who helped me tremendously through the early days of my efforts as to how I was going to assemble my
writings so that they made sense.

And in making this book possible with their aid in guiding me through many difficult areas that posed a problem to the construction of my sentences.

And to all of the people who were as ardent about my writing this book as I was, and now I will be able to show them
A finished book.

WB.

CHAPTER-ONE

RETURN TO THE HACIENDA DE VENGE

(1915)

As late afternoon came and the sun sank lower, Francisco and Alfredo saw familiar landmarks and felt that they could now ride the main roads, but they were still wary and avoided large groups of riders as they continued south.

The closer they came to the area of the Hacienda, Francisco found it hard to restrain himself from riding faster, Why are we riding so slowly? Let’s get there!

However, Alfredo’s mind was flooded with thoughts and memories, Take it easy little brother. We’ll be there soon.

He had them maintained their pace until they finally came to that long wide sloping hill that was the only approach to the Hacienda.

As they descended the wide road and upon seeing the Hacienda, there was a pulsing rush of excitement, giving them the sensation that they had only ridden out the day before. The only change that they could see, were more small houses in the area where the vaqueros lived with their families.

Alfredo had all he could do to keep Francisco from racing for the gates, so with a note of angry caution in his voice, "Francisco! Take your time after all it has been well over two years since we were here.

I’m sure that they expect us to act like we have grown in our minds as well as in our bodies. That we have more control over our impulses.

As they drew closer to the gate, they saw that the corral was wider, and there were plenty of horses in the East Meadow. Once the boys reached the base of the road, they saw
that there were many vaqueros doing the many different branding chores.

When they rode up to the gates, seeing the familiar words carved into the plaque hanging above the gates, THE HACIENDA DE VENGE, they felt like they were home again.

As they sat on their horses in front of the gates, Alfredo yelped, a note of awe in his voice, Well, here we are!

Francisco hesitantly responded, "Well! Remember, Don Cristobal said that we could return if we wanted to, only we have been gone a very long time, and maybe we will not be so welcomed now."

Alfredo cautioned, his eyes on a small group of riders descending the hill toward the gates, We’ll see little brother, we’ll see, won’t we?

As the group of riders rode up to the gates, the young man, who was in the lead, a look of suspicion on his face that slowly turned to one of recognition, What do you boys wish! … . . !

Alfredo shouted loudly, "Miguel Cruz! It is us, Alfredo and Francisco Guerrero, we have returned!"

"Nam de Dios! Amigos! Where have you been! It’s so good to see you! Aye!" Miguel quickly unlatched the gates and invited them in. Once the gates swung open, the Grande Vista of the working Hacienda was exposed, and the boys truly felt safe and back where they should be, home again.

Joining the group of vaqueros, who were looking speculatively at the boys, while Miguel sent a rider ahead to let them know who was coming.

And a few of them smiled at the boys in recognition as they approached the Main House with Miguel riding
between them, there was suddenly a crowd of people around them. Some had walked, others had ridden, but all of them hailed the brothers as more and more people recognized them.

Riding up to the steps of the patio of the Main House, the brothers dismounted and waved at Don Cristobal and his family, who had been made aware of their return, and were waiting on the patio.

After tying their horses to the hitch rail, they were quickly engulfed by many hugs, and claps on their backs, by the servants, and many of the workers that had gathered to welcome them back.

Don Cristobal grinned broadly, as the boys were guided to where he, his wife, Dona Antonia, and their daughters, Alberta and Carmela, stood. Before the boys could react, they found them-selves engulfed in his arms, as he confessed, It is so good to see you boys again.

Holding each of them at arm’s length, a hand on each young man’s shoulder, he said wistfully, "Many nights I lay awake, wondering what had happened to the both of you.

Whether you had survived the rigors of the trail, but come! into the house with you both. We were just sitting down to lunch, and you both shall join us. And guided them into the house.

Carmela, hands on hips, wrinkling up her nose, and
standing as far away from the brothers as she could, angrily proclaimed, Naturally. After, you have washed up.

Taking her aside, Alberta scolded, Carmela! You will apologize for that remark. They have barely come back and already you are trying to pick a fight. They know what they have to do, and they don’t need for you to remind them.

Dona Antonia quickly moved to the side her two angry daughters, quietly uttering under her breath, "As of this moment, the bickering will stop, and you both will act accordingly.

As soon as I see the least bit of bad manners from either of you girls, aimed at these boys, you will be immediately dismissed from the table.

Rejoining her husband and after the boys waved at the crowd, as they stood on the patio, the boys were led into the house. As they walked to the wash house at the rear of the kitchen, "Do you smell that Alfredo? It’s been so long since ..."

Alfredo did not remember the last time he had breathed in such a fragrant aroma. We’ll be eating soon little brother. After hurriedly washing up, they were soon back seated at the table.

The Don was seated in his regular place at the head of the table, he looked a little older than they remembered. A little more tired, his hair was touched with more grey as was Dona Antonia’s.

She sat like royalty at the foot of the table. Her face was as smooth as it had been when the boys had left; her smile was as bright, and her movements just as eloquent, and just as pleasant to watch. Alfredo always wanted to please her. Francisco felt the same way; they had felt that way about their mother.

Sitting across from Alfredo, Alberta could not keep her
eyes from him (He was well aware of her eyes and was blushing). Her black curls cascading around her slim throat and shoulders, and down her back, held in check by a light blue ribbon, which was the same color of her dress.

Her eyes were as dark as her hair and twinkled with happiness. More cute than beautiful, her dimples deeply indented her slightly plump cheeks. Her lips were soft and pink, and when she smiled, her small teeth were startlingly white against her moderately tanned olive complexion.

Alfredo could not help but glance at her constantly and felt at once excitement and then fear. In fact, he didn’t know how he really felt.

On the other hand, Francisco was openly staring at Carmela, as though she were the only other person in the dining room. Carmela was completely different from her sister, and although she was a little older, her beauty was of a different type. Her eyes were more slanted, darker and brooding.

She was slim, and her face was leaner. Yet, she had almost the same placement of dimples that Alberta had, and they appeared and disappeared more frequently as her emotions rose and fell. She also had the deep clef in her chin, as her father had, which made her look more like her father than ever.

Her hair cascaded around her shoulders, a deep, rich, beautiful red, in total contrast to her sister’s jet black hair. Her eyes, the same darkness, but they seemed to crackle with electricity.

Her lips were the same soft duplicate of her sister’s, but instead of being tender and pert, they were sultry, and she always seemed to be pouting, yet her overall face emitted a beauty completely different from her sister.

She glared at Francisco, and when the maid set he r plate before her, she sat waiting for everyone to be served so that Don Cristobal could say the blessing, her eyes on her plate. The servants brought in platter after platter of hot dishes and placed them in the center of the table, so that the occupants could serve themselves and pass each platter on to the next person

Once everyone had been served, and the blessing had been said by Don Cristobal, they all quietly began eating. Carmela sat taking small bites of food off her plate, and taking small sips of milk. Francisco wondered why Carmela felt such anger toward him.

A whole two years and more had passed and in all of that time, she had not mellowed in her thoughts about him. He quietly promised himself that he would sometimes very soon ask her why she seemed so furious about being around him.

After the meal and the table had been cleared, the Don leaned back in his chair and lit a cigarillo, "After I have finished with my noon rounds, we will talk. I want to know what you boys have been doing all of this time.

"But! For now, rest! You have been gone on a very long journey and will have to adjust to being back. Later on, the girls can reacquaint you to the Hacienda and its people. We will talk about sleeping arrangements this evening, but until then, you boys can take a siesta in our guest room."

Standing up, he stretched as he looked fondly at the boys, I have to speak to the foreman for a moment. So! We’ll talk later? He hurried to the door, where he stood for a moment looking at the brothers, a broad smile on his face.

They smiled back, "Si Patron. Thank you for everything." Alfredo warmly declared. Hearing that familiar term from the now young man, his smile broadened, Seeing you boys back here safe and sound, it seems like you never left. Smiling and humming a tune, he closed the door as he left the house.

Sitting at the foot of the table, looking radiant, Dona Antonia remarked, He is happier than he has been for a very long time. I hope you both will be around for a very long time, for he thinks of you both as his sons. How long have you boys been gone, a year? Two years and more?

The brothers exchanged a look and shrugged in unison,
Alfredo replying, All we know is that we have been gone a very long time.

Dona Antonia turned her face downward toward the table, covering the look of sadness, "A lot has happened since you boys have been gone, but…! She looked up as Don Cristobal hurried back in and sat at the table.

Being at a loss for words, she looked at him questioningly and announced, "Your Don can probably tell you boys of past and current events better than I can, so…!" Don Cristobal, looking at Dona Antonia, quickly inquired,
And what are you’re talking about, is that what brings out the sadness in your voice?

Dona Antonia quickly replied, "I was going to tell them of the many events that had occurred while they were away.

But! Luckily, you returned, and you can tell them of those events much better than I can."

Don Cristobal sighed deeply, then he took up the story, a great sadness in his voice, "During the time that you boys were gone, there have been two, no three, flash floods; we survived them and rebuilt the areas that had been damaged, plus we had another drought, not as bad as the first one.

"Like the floods, again we survived. Six months later, my father Don Arturo was bitten by a rattler while in the West Meadows overseeing a job the vaqueros were working on. He was rushed back to the Main House, but it was too late; he died. Dona Maria’s health declined rapidly in the days after the accident and two weeks later, she died.

"I sent word to our families in Vera Cruz, and a week later, my uncles, Bernado and Jorge, came with their families for the funeral of Don Arturo, and stayed for the funeral of Dona Maria.

They stayed for a month, and then left for their homes in Vera Cruz. It should have been a time of festivals, a time when my uncles could see how far Don Arturo and Dona Maria had come and rejoice. "Instead, it was a sad and very bad time for the Hacienda; however, whenever I am riding the Meadows, I can almost feel my father riding along beside me as he did so many times in the past."

Smiling, shrugging his shoulders, Come, we must celebrate your being here now, hale and hearty, alive and ready to tell us of your many adventures.

Absentmindedly taking out his pocket watch, he looked at it and exclaimed, Ah no! I must get out to the West Meadows right now and will hear all your tales later. He stood and left the table hurriedly.

The boys had seemed subdued during the meal, but now that Don Cristobal had gone, Francisco began talking with more spirit in his voice, while Alfredo interjected a few truthful morsels to keep his brother on an honest path.

Once the boys finished telling her one of their stories, Dona Antonia stood up, "Well! You children go out and ride around the Hacienda, I have a house to run."

She disappeared into the hallway, leaving the young people alone as the servants quietly began clearing the table and doing their usual housework. The