Eden's Sin by Jennifer Jakes

civilian clothes so as to blend in.”
    “ Yes, sir.” He stood and gave a brisk salute, then left.
    Sinclair gulped the last of his coffee, then scrubbed his hands over his face. Why was Eden invading his thoughts again? She was just a woman, just another prostitute. There was absolutely no reason for her to be on his mind.
    “Pardon me, sir?” Ballard hovered outside the tent.
    “ Come in.”
    “ There’s a message for you. Parsons’ telegraph man just brought it.”
    Sinclair sighed and reached for the thin paper. He didn’t have to guess who would send a telegram so soon.
    Father.
    “ Thank you. I’ll be out to speak to the men in just a moment.” He waited until the corporal was gone then unfolded the message.
     
    Sinclair.
    I will be joining the group of dignitaries traveling to Ladore on June 15 th to inquire as to the problems with the Katy. All investors are distressed. I expect things to be handled before we arrive. If not, there is talk of taking legal action against Parsons. I do not have to tell you what that would mean to those of us with money on the line. Senator Moreton, two lawyers and the governor of Kansas will be in attendance. These men are out for blood. I have put together a small group of investors who will be with me to try to halt whatever plan Moreton has. Do not let me down again. You have two days.
    Judge Bradford.
     
    What the hell!? He re-read the telegraph. Two days?
    He wad ded the paper and threw it across the tent. If he didn’t know better, he would suspect Father had this planned all along. Planned for him to fail.
    He kicked his chair and fought the urge to curse a blue streak. Then stopped. Senator Moreton. He had a name now.
    He grabbed his hat. He had to speak to McGrady in person. If he confirmed Moreton was the man who bribed Adella McGrady to sabotage the Katy, then Sinclair was that much closer to solving this mess. And he’d like nothing better than to clamp the irons on a politician.
    “Major!” Stevens burst through the tent flap. “Judge Parsons wants to see you. Now .”
    He did not have the time or patience for Stevens. “I’m busy right now.” He didn’t even try to disguise the annoyance in his voice.
    “ It’s about the telegram you just received.” Stevens’ jaw tightened. “And the judge doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
    Oh, he c ould just bet Parsons was in a lather about the group of angry investors. Nervous as hell about his precious railroad.
    “Corporal Ballard.” He motioned to the man hovering at the tent flap. It was time to make a drastic change in plans.
    “ Yes, sir?”
    “ Put Connors in charge of the men for morning drill. I need you to saddle my horse.”
    ***
     
    “ That is the most preposterous idea I have ever heard!” Parsons’ words echoed through the empty train car, his face turning an ugly purple-red. “There is no way in hell I can afford to lose even one payroll, much less two. Do you realize the investors would lynch me if I did such a thing?”
    Sinclair shook his head. “You wouldn’t be sending the actual monies. Only real bills on the outside, cut newspaper for the centers. I doubt the thieves bother to look closely. The real payroll won’t be sent at all. I’ll go retrieve it personally.”
    Parsons blew a deep breath. “I find it hard to believe this will tell us anything.”
    “ It will tell us who is leaking information! If the Thursday train is robbed, then it’s Stevens.” Sinclair hesitated, knowing the outburst his next words would cause. “And if the Friday train is robbed, then it’s your daughter.”
    “ Kate!” A large vein pulsed on Parsons’ forehead. “By God, I won’t have you degrade the name Parsons. Besides, what possible motive could Kate have?”
    “ Judge, I have confirmed Senator Moreton has more to gain if you lose this race. I’ve also confirmed he’s hired saboteurs on previous occasion.” But he wasn’t going to admit any more. He’d promised