It was ironic, Steve thought, that the United States government was providing ammunition to a Mexican dictator—or to his successor. Whichever man promised to come out the victor in this latest rebellion would receive the sanction of the powerful nation to the north. He could remember how discreetly Juarez had been given assistance in his struggle to keep the French from taking Mexico, to ensure that Mexico was kept in the hands of the people instead of a foreign power that might be a threat to the security of the United States.

As usual, it had to be silent aid, with no overt tones of interference. “A most delicate situation,” Bishop called it in his typical dry understatement. “Of course, if you are discovered…”

It went without saying that they were on their own. Steve, with his connections to Mexico, would be assumed to be acting in his own interests, as would Paco Davis. They were the natural men to assign this task, and as appointed ambassador, Steve was less likely to be searched or suspect upon his arrival in Mexico. Yes, it was perfect.

Except for the complication Ginny could provide if she balked or created a scene when she learned that he would be more involved in the rebellion than he had told her.

“I begin to think it most inconvenient that you brought your wife with you,” Bishop had said, his gimlet gaze holding no hint of the disapproval he voiced. “She has been known to be a distraction in the past.”

“If I’d left her behind, she was liable to come after me and be even more of a distraction,” Steve replied shortly. “And you know what she can do when she’s angry.”

Paco had smothered a laugh quickly at Bishop’s sharp glance, but it was obvious they shared the same opinion: Ginny was always an unknown quantity.

“Keep her happy, Mr. Morgan,” Bishop had said then, but his meaning was plain. “She will be useful to us with Lerdo and Díaz, but only if she is content. I trust you will do all in your power to affect that end.”

“Keeping Ginny content is my main mission in life,” he had replied dryly, and saw a faint, rewarding flicker darken Bishop’s eyes. “She creates too much havoc when she’s not happy with me.”

But there was more to it than that. Dammit, didn’t he and Ginny deserve some kind of peace? Once all this was over and Mexico was not in turmoil, he meant to see to it.

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