“For good reason. Mr. Lovell’s use of his wealth and influence so far has been less than ethical.”

“I have a passing acquaintance with Lovell. He is as ruthless as they come. He won’t take kindly to the idea of losing.”

“I don’t imagine so,” Heather agreed.

“Your husband should be on his guard.”

She nodded. Sloan’s chances of winning had improved recently, thanks to Richard’s candid articles questioning the honesty of the mining baron’s more lucrative dealings. And she wouldn’t put it past Quinn Lovell to use some underhanded means to tip the scales back in his favor.

She felt Evan’s penetrating gaze on her, though, which brought her out of her reflections.

“Are you certain I have no chance with you?” he asked again, softly.

“I’m sorry, Evan. I wish I could feel something for you, but I can’t.”

“I know—you profess to love that cowman you wed. I just wish I knew what you see in the fellow.”

“Evan…”

He sighed again. “Forgive me, my dear. I’m acting the spoiled child, but I’ve always been reluctant to concede defeat. Very well, I suppose I must accept your answer with good grace.” He straightened his shoulders and was once again the urbane railroad magnate who ruled much of St. Louis and a good deal of the rest of the country.

“In any event I intend to remain in Colorado until after the election is over. If you decide to return home to St. Louis, my dear, I would be pleased if you would consider my private car at your disposal. And if you choose Denver, I hope you will accept my safe escort there. There can be nothing improper in a friend offering a ride. My carriage can be here in under three hours, and I can even bring a female chaperone, if that would satisfy the dictates of propriety. You have only to send me word. I shall be staying at the Windsor Hotel in Denver.”

Heather managed a tremulous smile. “Thank you, Evan. Your kindness means a great deal to me.”

She was grateful to know she had a way to leave if she chose—and more grateful still when the kettle began to boil and she could end this intimate conversation and turn away.

Heather agreed that Quinn Lovell would not take kindly to the possibility of losing the election, but Evan’s prediction proved accurate far sooner that she expected. Later that afternoon she was in the kitchen preparing supper when a gang of horsemen rode into the yard, stirring up a cloud of dust. Her heart leapt to her throat when she realized they were all armed to the teeth.