The Diamond of the Rockies [03] The Tender Vine Read Free Page A

Carina.”
    Alex Makepeace leaned against the wall. “No,” he said, leaving Quillan to make what he would of that.
    Quillan frowned. “I’d like to see the mine records.”
    Makepeace raised his brows. “The financial records?”
    “All of it, everything.”
    “Are you suggesting I’ve acted with less than integrity where your interests—”
    Quillan shook his head. “I’m not suggesting anything. I just want to see them, to see how it all works.”
    “Your instructions were to deposit your profits directly into the bank. That’s been done except . . . the one time Mrs. Shepard had them diverted.”
    So it was back to Mrs. Shepard . “I’m not questioning your good faith. I’m trying to establish what my portion of the mine is worth.”
    Makepeace stood in silence a long moment. “For what purpose?”
    “For the purpose of sale.” He watched that sink in. “Carina wants to go home. I can hardly look after my interests here or those of D.C., my partner, from Sonoma, California.”
    A look of fatalistic resignation passed over Makepeace’s features. And it wasn’t Quillan’s ownership he would miss.
    Quillan said, “As much as the mine meant to his daddy, I think D.C.’ll be willing to sell out if I do. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t send that letter just yet.”
    “Why not?” Alex Makepeace glanced at his resignation as though it might hold some explanation.
    “I’d prefer to keep things stable until this is concluded. You think you acted irresponsibly, but I don’t see it that way.”
    “You don’t know—”
    “The industry. You’re right. I’m reminded of that at every turn. But I stand by what Carina did. What you did. And I want to make that clear to every man who acted against my wife. That’s why I’m making this offer. I want you to own the New Boundless—my stock and D.C.’s, if he sells.”
    Alex Makepeace stared at him, looking as shocked by the offer as Quillan was himself. Where had that come from? He’d had no intention of making such an offer to Alexander Makepeace. This man who’d cozied up to Carina, shared in the secret of Wolf ’s cave, half caused the trouble that might have killed her, that had miscarried their baby . . .
    Makepeace spoke low and a little coldly. “I couldn’t begin to afford it. Without looking I could tell you your holdings together are worth a hundred thousand at least. The investors—”
    “I don’t care about the investors, or anyone else in town who might want a piece of the Boundless. I’m offering it to you.”
    Alex Makepeace sat down in the chair, resting his palms on the edge of the desk. “Why?”
    “Because you saved my wife’s life.” There was the truth.
    “And I was at least half responsible for it being threatened.”
    Quillan ignored that. Maybe it was God who had brought things in this direction. Maybe if he focused on the fact that Makepeace had driven away the thugs, if he found a means to compensate that debt . . . maybe then he could keep the crushing jealousy in check. “I have a friend in Leadville who might front you the money. You can make arrangements for repayment with him. If you’re interested.”
    Alex Makepeace looked dazed. “A friend?”
    “Horace Tabor. You’ve heard of him?” Quillan quirked an eyebrow.
    “The silver king?” If it was possible, Makepeace looked more dumbfounded yet.
    Quillan hiked one side of his mouth. “I’m off to see him later this morning if the weather holds. Should be a two-day turnaround. Get the records together for me and consider coming along.”
    Alex Makepeace dropped his forehead to his fingertips, as though the thoughts that coursed through his brain made it heavy to hold up.
    Quillan said, “Think about it. It’ll be an hour or two before I’m ready to leave.” He stood, met Alex Makepeace’s eyes briefly, then turned and left.
    Carina laid the book down across her lap when Quillan pushed open the door with a burst of wintry air. Sam scooted in