Across the street, just visible from her third-floor window, was the alley that ran beside the Majestic Theater. Sunlight reflected from a huge diamond comb tucked into the dark hair of Francesca di Paoli. Ginny would recognize her anywhere. And the man with her was Steve, of course, his lean frame far too familiar to her. His back was to the street, and the opera singer was glued to his front, her arms flung about his neck in a passionate embrace.

Suddenly cold inside, Ginny stepped away from the window.

I should have known…should have remembered that he can never resist a beautiful woman!

But it didn’t mean that he’d been unfaithful, she told herself. I have to trust him! Oh God, I cannot let the doubts destroy us again….

40

Steve was still thinking more of Francesca than he was Ginny when he found Senator Brandon in the office he had taken in a two-story building overlooking the river.

“I’ve been expecting you, Morgan.”

Brandon looked at ease, his manner cordial and even friendly as he gestured him to a chair. “I was told you were in town with my daughter. How is Virginia? I trust she came to no harm while in Mexico City. She never listens. I did my best to get her to leave, even offered to send an escort for her. She refused, of course. Apparently, President Díaz treated her quite well.”

“That made it convenient for you.”

Brandon frowned slightly, and there was a wariness in his eyes that told Steve he was on the defensive.

“If by that you mean that I was relieved, yes.”

“I had the thought that you might have been more relieved to learn that Díaz is willing to allow you to operate your mine as long as you pay for the privilege.”

“Ah, the mine. It has become an expensive luxury I am not sure I can afford any longer.” Brandon’s shoulders lifted in a slight shrug, and he held out a carved lacquer box of cigars. Steve took one, clipped off the end and ran his fingers over the smooth tube of tobacco; it was fragrant and distinctive, a good Cuban cigar.

“So you intend to close the mine?”

“I’ve had an offer.” Brandon eyed him for a long moment before saying, “I think there is more money to be made in railroads. Tell me, you own a large chunk of Union Pacific stock, what are your thoughts?”

Steve narrowed his eyes at him. “Railroads are risky. You know that. What do you have in mind?”