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“Some brandy with your coffee, E.J.?” Chase offered as he unstoppered the brandy decanter to add a splash to his own cup.
“No, thank you.” Dyson settled comfortably in an armchair in front of the fireplace while Stricklin carried his cup to an opposite chair.
It only left the sofa in the middle. With a wariness Chase couldn’t explain, he remained standing to one side, not taking the seat that would put him in a position that was flanked by the two men. It was too exposed.
“What was it you wanted to talk to me about?” He dispensed with any pleasantries to come straight to the point.
“Information has reached me pertaining to the overturning of some land you purchased from the government several years ago.” Dyson didn’t hedge either.
“News travels fast,” Chase murmured dryly.
“It isn’t so surprising, really,” Dyson insisted calmly. “I am engaged in business in this area. It’s natural for something like this to come to my attention.”
“I suppose.” Chase conceded the possibility that Dyson could have recently learned of the invalidated sale through local sources, although the likelihood remained that, at the least, Dyson had foreknowledge.
“We’ve had our differences of late, Chase, but our two families are related. It’s a fact we can’t ignore.”
“I am well aware that your daughter is my son’s wife.” It was the one thing that kept Chase from accusing Dyson outright of conspiring to deprive him of those ten thousand acres of land. There remained an element of doubt that Dyson would involve himself in such a way that could potentially harm his daughter.
“I am first and foremost a businessman, Chase. Only to a certain extent can I allow family considerations to prevent me from doing what I believe is important to my business. That’s why I’m here.” Dyson paused, studying Chase for an instant. “Normally I would not do this. I’d make a business move and let my opponent or competitor find out about it after the fact. Since there might be repercussions for Tara, I’m giving you advance notice of my intentions.”
“And your intentions?” Chase inquired, faintly challenging.
“The government now holds title to those ten thousand acres. I am seeking the mineral rights and the use of its water for a coal plant. At the present, Tara knows nothing of this. I am aware that you are appealing the decision and seeking to regain title to that land. If the government retains possession, I wanted you to know my plans.” There was another long, considering look before Dyson continued. “It’s a business decision, Calder. I know it will be difficult, but I should like to maintain a peaceful coexistence for the sake of our children.”
“You’re right,” Chase agreed, a tightness building inside him like a coiling spring. “It won’t be easy. I’ll observe a peace of sorts, but I’m warning you now—you’ll pay bloody hell before you ever rip up one inch of sod on my land.”
“We shall simply have to wait and see,” Dyson said, with a resigned glance at Stricklin. The man was simply unreasonable.
After checking on the mare in the foaling barns, Ty returned to the house. Cathleen informed him, with a sly wink, that Tara had gone upstairs. He glanced at the study, but the doors were standing open. The discussion was obviously concluded, so his presence wasn’t likely to be required. He went directly upstairs.
“Finally,” Tara declared as he entered the sitting room. “How was your mare?” There was a trace of sarcasm in her voice.
“Fine.” He didn’t bother to explain it didn’t look as if there would be a new foal this night.
“There are people hired to look after those horses. I don’t see why you have to do it—especially at a time like this,” she muttered impatiently.
“At a time like this,” Ty repeated with humorless amusement. “I’d like to believe you’re saying that because it’s your first night home and it’s my company you want, but that isn’t the reason, is it?”
“It’s part of the reason.” She crossed the room to stand before him, her hands touching him, making contact to start the hungry pulsing while he breathed in her musky female scent. “You have to do something about your father.”
“My father?”
“Yes. You’ve got to convince him to let this matter lie.”
“Let it lie? What are you talking about? He paid for the land, bought it in good faith. Why shouldn’t he fight to get it back?” Ty frowned.
“It’s only ten thousand acres. Compared to the million he already owns, he won’t even miss it,” Tara declared. “Besides, he can still lease it to graze cattle on, so it’s the same as owning it.”
“It’s never the same as owning it because it doesn’t give him control.” His eyes narrowed in speculation. “Why does the idea of him fighting for it bother you, Tara?”
“I don’t think you have any idea what people are saying,” she accused with a snap of her dark eyes. “They are using the words ‘corruption’ and bribery’ when they speak about him.”
“All that was a long time ago. Nothing can be proved.”
“It doesn’t have to be proved. The talk is enough. Don’t you know how damaging that is to a person’s reputation?” There was a kind of fury in her that she was being dragged down. “It’s going to rub off on us, Ty.”
“It doesn’t bother you that he possibly made a payoff, does it?” Ty mused. “You’re angry because he got caught.”
