He was late riding out of Nuevo Laredo, taking the road that led to El Paso and then on to New Mexico territory, but it was worth it. He’d left her sleeping, after she drowsily kissed him goodbye and told him she had no intentions of waiting on him or making excuses for him to his grandfather.

Paco had business in Ojinaga on the border, then he’d take her on to the rancho. Paco would keep Ginny safe enough until he could get back, Steve thought. Then he grinned, thinking of Ginny’s stubborn surrender that was more of a challenge. She never gave in graciously, but always fought to the end. It was just as well he’d never told her about Elizabeth Cady. It would only make her fret about what was past and over.

There had been enough of that.

He intended to conduct his business with Murdock, then get back to Ginny as quickly as possible. Dammit, he felt like a lovesick calf, missing her when he was away from her, irritated as hell most of the time when he was with her. It was a lethal combination.

15

Sam Murdock greeted Senator Brandon inside the study of his opulent Pullman coach that had pulled onto a side track just outside El Paso.

“It’s good to see you again, Senator. It seems you’re doing much better now.”

“Yes. Taking a bullet is not something I would recommend, but it certainly has the effect of making a man analyze his priorities in life.” Brandon took a seat in the wide cushioned chair beside Murdock’s desk, leaning heavily on his cane as he lowered his weight.

“I must say, I was a bit surprised to learn you were in Texas,” Murdock was saying, his tone noncommittal. “The last time I saw you was in San Francisco, I believe.”

“Yes, when my daughter and her husband created such a scandal.” Brandon grimaced. “In fact, one of the reasons I wanted to meet with you while I’m here is your partner, my son-in-law. I was recently informed by a man named Uriah Lott that any further negotiations with him concerning the railroad I wish to build are ended, thanks to Steve Morgan. It seems that he was advised to seek financing with Richard King or Mifflin Kenedy instead, but I need that damn track laid in order to increase production efficiency. You’re connected with the railroad. What are the chances of Central Pacific laying track in Mexico?”

“Right now? Almost nonexistent.” Murdock steepled his hands and gazed at the senator over his fingertips, frowning slightly. “Private financing versus government funding—it would certainly eliminate unnecessary costs and regulations. I’ve thought of it myself.”

“Good God, man, I didn’t come to you for confirmation of the occasional idiocy of congressional acts. We all agree that some laws are designed to profit the government more than citizens. It’s a fact of life.”