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

know. Learn the lay of the land, I guess. Never been to California. Heard about it some.”
    Tabor slapped his thigh. “I tell you, Quillan, you’re more like me all the time.”
    “God help Carina.” Augusta’s tone was dry, but there was affection in her eyes, affection borne of her own inner strength and Horace Tabor’s engaging temperament. She loved him, that was clear; it was a comfortable, staid kind of love. Quillan wondered if his fiery relationship with Carina would ever calm to that.
    “As for this,” Tabor flicked the papers and included Makepeace in the discussion, “let’s play with some figures.”
    The terms were much to Makepeace and Tabor’s favor. Horace Tabor was shrewd and Quillan close to indifferent. He’d never considered the mine his, but he had D.C., Cain’s son, to think of, as well. Whatever fight he put up was more for D.C.’s sake than his own. All his belief that money would make him somebody had been washed away by the flood, and he was almost thankful, now, that it had happened.
    Still, Tabor was fair, and Quillan stood to walk away from these dealings a very rich man. He could give Carina most anything— if she stopped chucking his gifts off to Èmie Charboneau Simms. He thought of the package nestled away among the other goods he’d purchased in Leadville, then brought his attention back to Tabor’s outstretched hand. He gripped it firmly.
    “You know you could get more from the consolidated operators right there in Crystal.” Tabor’s bulging mustache bounced with each word.
    “I know.”
    “You have personal reasons for doing it this way?”
    Quillan glanced at Makepeace, who’d been almost a silent contender through it all. “I have.”
    “Well, Quillan, you’re an odd bird, but I like you. I’ve liked you from the start, and it’s a pleasure to do business with you. And Mr. Makepeace.”
    “You’ll stay here tonight, won’t you?” Augusta included both of them in her gaze.
    Alex Makepeace spoke first. “I’ve already acquired a room, ma’am. But I thank you for your offer.” He stood. “I’ll take leave now, with your permission.”
    Quillan stood with Tabor and Augusta. He was not sorry to see Makepeace go, though things had progressed amicably. Once the man had gone, Quillan turned to Augusta. “I’d be pleased to accept your offer.”
    “And have a glass of port with me.” Tabor walked to the glass cabinet, which held his decanters.
    “Thank you, no.” Quillan smiled. “But I will have coffee if it’s available.”
    “Teetotaler, are you?” Tabor paused at the cabinet.
    Quillan shrugged. “I have a difficult drive tomorrow.”
    “Well, bring him some coffee, Augusta. I’m going to pick his brain while I’ve got him cornered.”
    Quillan grinned. He liked Hod Tabor. But then, most people did. The man had a magnetism and generosity and good humor that were hard to resist. But he had another reason for speaking with Tabor alone. “I’d like that letter of introduction we spoke of in Denver.”
    “DeMornays?” Tabor had a good memory.
    Quillan nodded. “If it’s possible they’re my mother’s people, I’d like to make their acquaintance before I leave the area for good.”
    “Understandable.” Tabor held his port a moment, then sipped. “All right, then.” He took a sheet of stationery from the escritoire.
    Quillan had turned down the introduction the last time they talked. But things had changed; he’d changed.
    Tabor scrawled something, then folded the letter. “Might find him a bit of a stuffed shirt. Railroad baron, you know.”
    Quillan quirked a brow.
    “Then again, that’s my impression.”
    “Well, Hod—”
    “Actually, I misspoke.” Tabor handed him the letter. “Make your own judgment.”
    Quillan took the letter and slipped it into his pocket. “Thanks.”
    Tabor nodded. “You have to leave in the morning?”
    Quillan smiled. “My wife expects me.”
    Carina glared at Dr. Felden. “What do you mean,