“And some are designed to profit government officials more than citizens,” Murdock said quietly, smiling slightly when Brandon frowned. “It’s true, William, and you know it. Even you profited by the whiskey scandal.”

This was not going at all as he had hoped. Disconcerted by Murdock’s unfortunate reminder of past transgressions, he struggled for an effective argument that would persuade the millionaire investor to stop Steve Morgan. He was well aware that Steve was capable of retaliation, but Murdock was not a man who had to answer to voters. And he was Steve’s partner. Could he convince him to interfere, or at the least propose a way to block Morgan’s influence?

Brandon eyed Murdock for a long moment, then said, “Morgan has gone so far as to try to ruin me! It’s almost a personal vendetta. We’ve disagreed over politics or policies before, but I never thought he would act upon his threats. It seems he’s quite capable of impoverishing me if he’s not stopped. Sam, I appeal to you, as his partner and my friend as well, to do something to stop Steve Morgan from ruining me.”

Sam Murdock quietly drummed his fingertips atop the gleaming surface of his ornate mahogany desk, eyeing Brandon thoughtfully. “It would be a conflict of interests were I to involve myself in either of your interests, William, as I am sure you must realize. Steve has his own pursuits, and would not listen to me in any case.”

“But you must certainly see the advantages to the current situation in Mexico. You’re a shrewd businessman. In a few years, the railroad will be the main way to ship goods all over the continent. The man who builds the first commercial railroad in Mexico will practically rule the country!”

“That doesn’t seem to be a job with longevity,” Murdock observed wryly. “Mexico has a history of bloody revolution against its rulers.”

“A puppet-head ruler would be valuable, with the real leader behind the scenes pulling his strings.” He leaned forward, hands clasped atop the silver head of his cane. “We could be the power behind the throne, make decent laws. But we won’t succeed if Díaz is not as amenable to American involvement as was Lerdo. The country is rampant with outlaws like Juan Cortina running loose, crossing the border at will to steal from American citizens.”

“Yes, but Juan Cortina is in jail now, caught by the Texas Rangers and imprisoned for his crimes,” Murdock reminded.

“You know as well as I do that the Mexican government won’t keep him there long. He’s as involved now in political schemes as he was when ‘free’ as an outlaw.” Brandon scowled and shook his head.