Eden's Sin by Jennifer Jakes Page A

McGrady.
    “ Who?” Parsons started pacing. “Was that old bastard behind that damned Swede and her dynamite? The so-called accidents?”
    “ I’m not at liberty to say more.” Let the judge think what he wanted. “But it seems to be common knowledge in Ladore that your daughter doesn’t agree with your business methods.” Ballard had gleaned that information just this morning from a slack-jawed rail-worker at the livery. “And Moreton isn’t above bribery. Perhaps the senator found an ally in your daughter.”
    “ Humph . Kate wants for nothing.”
    Nothing but approval from her father. Damn, that reeked of self-examination. “Nevertheless, she is a suspect and will be treated as such.”
    Parsons frowned, doubt tightening his features. “And what happens when neither train is robbed?”
    Si nclair took a deep breath. “If I’m wrong then you can say so.” But the judge wasn’t so sure now or he’d still be arguing. Obviously his Katy was more important than his Kate.
    The judge glared at him. “I’ll do more than that. You can bet your ass, I will ruin you.”
    Sin clair smiled. As if his life could get much worse.
    “ Judge,” Sinclair sighed, “somehow, despite the fact you have changed the payroll schedule repeatedly, your money is being stolen right out from under you. That tells me you have an information leak. Someone close to you.” Whether the old fool wanted to admit it or not.
    Parsons rounded the desk and paced the width of the car, h is expensive boots a mere whisper on the thick rugs. “Well I know Stevens would never betray me like that.”
    Sinclair didn’t miss the fact the judge defended Stevens much more than his own daughter. “Then let’s prove it.”
    Parsons frowned. “Fine.” He reached for a cut glass carafe from the liquor cabinet.
    Sin clair strode across the car to the door. “I’m leaving right now, riding like hell to the main office to get the payroll. That way it’s safe here and the men can be paid Friday evening.”
    Parsons’ rubbed his chin. “I don’t like it, but I’ll go along with it—to show your plan and accusations for the ludicrous poppy-cock they are.” He poured a large shot of brandy and gulped it in one swallow. “Damned investigating party. I hate that son-of-a-bitch Moreton.”
    “ Then why are you involved in business with him?” Was this man so ignorant?
    A sly smile lit Parsons’ face. “Money. Connections. He knows the people who grow this country, and I needed to know those same people. Even if it costs me some sleep. By the time the Katy is built, I will own those connections, and Senator Moreton will be the first man I ruin.” His smile turned calculating. Cold.
    God, Sinclair hated politics, hated being dragged back into this life.
    Shaking his head, he marched to the door and twisted the knob, then turned. “I’m going to get your payroll. Remember, tell Stevens Thursday, tell Kate Friday.”
    “ When you’re wrong,” Parsons scowled and poured another shot, “I’ll see your rank pulled back down to Private. You can shovel Custer’s horse shit from here until doom’s day.”
    Wouldn’t that make Father happy? Then he would try to force Sin clair into taking the Bar Exam and begin his law practice, take over where Theodore left off.  But that wouldn’t happen. Not in a million years. He wasn’t Theodore, and he’d never be happy stuck in a damned office. Parsons and Father might try to ruin his career, but the Cavalry gave him purpose. And he wouldn’t give that up.
    “ Judge, if I’m wrong you’re going to have a lot more to worry about than getting even with me. You might be the man getting ruined instead of Moreton.” He slammed the door then hurried out and down the steps.
    Ballard had Lincoln saddled and waiting, a canteen and rifle strapped in place.
    “ Thank you, Corporal. I’ll be back tonight. Take the men and sign on with McGrady as we talked about.”
    “ Yes, sir.”
    Sin clair slipped his