“Yes.” Bishop shoved aside the cards to clear a space on the oilcloth, and began to draw a map of Chihuahua. “I happen to know that a certain senator from Virginia has purchased a large hacienda right here, along the border. It’s being mined for silver and copper, and stands to be exceedingly profitable. I am certain he would stop at very little to save his interests. Right now, the senator has a private railroad, but the Central Pacific has recently purchased rights to run tracks through the property, giving the American government the perfect opportunity to supervise the situation as ore from the mines is transported north. It has also incurred the avid interest of the Mexican faction, and needs to be monitored.”

It didn’t take a map to see the direction in which Bishop was heading the conversation.

Steve sat back in his chair, mouth curled into a wry smile as he met Bishop’s opaque gaze. “Since Ginny’s father is involved, it stands to reason that her presence in Mexico City is expected and perfectly natural.”

“Exactly. And since she insisted upon coming with you, how better to learn what each side is doing than to have a foot in both camps?” Bishop coughed discreetly. “Of course, our government cannot acknowledge any part in this, as everyone here is aware. But there is backup available. Casey is known in a few towns along the Mexican border, and Charley has taken a job at the mines. All that remains now is for a man accepted as a Mexican landowner and ambassador of goodwill to be included in the Mexicans’ confidence. It could avert a full-scale war between the two countries, which would only end badly for Mexico, especially since the country is already in the throes of a struggle between Lerdo and Díaz.”

“Damn you,” Steve said without rancor. By now, he should be accustomed to Bishop’s machinations. And the man was right. Another war between the United States and Mexico would be disastrous for both sides, too newly recovering from catastrophic civil wars.

“When do you plan to leave?”

Steve poured another half glass of bourbon, downed it in one shot and shrugged.

“I’ll let you know. Don’t bother with the usual reminder about being on my own—I never forget it.” He stood up, chair legs scraping loudly on the floor. “But this time, I want you to stay out of it. Let me work alone. That means that I’m not involving Ginny. It’s too dangerous.”

“Of course.”

But despite Bishop’s too swift agreement, an uneasy suspicion lingered. It wouldn’t be that easy to keep her out of it. Not once they arrived in Mexico. He had learned the hard way that no plan was perfect, no scheme safe.

What the hell would Ginny say?

9

“William, I do wish you would find a way to talk Ginny out of going to Mexico.”