Lone Star 03 by Wesley Ellis Read Free Book Online Page A

coal, RR; financed short sales B&VRR stock, took control B&V after bnkrptcy wl Henri Duclos, Belg., Augustus Schertz, Ger.; Farnam new member cartel; Farnam, Duclos, Schertz constrct rt-of-way Starbuck RRs Ohio, Penna., Montana Terr.; suspct sabotage train Toledo.
    Jessie read the entry twice, trying to read into it more than Alex’s often-cryptic abbreviations revealed. She went to the entries covering Duclos of Belgium and Schertz of Germany. These two had crossed swords with Alex more than once over the years, but Farnam’s name was not mentioned in connection with other clashes between her father and the cartel.
    It can’t be coincidence, though, Jessie mused. There simply couldn’t be another lieutenant named Joe Farnam who graduated from West Point. And a young officer who‘s the son of a man like Farnam usually gets a more comfortable assignment than Fort Chaplin. So, if it can’t be coincidence, there’s got to be a reason. And the only reason that makes sense is some scheme the cartel’s trying to carry out.
    After rereading the Farnam entry, Jessica restored Alex’s notebook to its hiding place and closed the secret drawer. She leaned back in the big leather chair and closed her eyes, trying to think of any possible connection that could be made between the cartel and the rustling of Brad Close’s market herd. She was on the point of falling asleep when the scattered factors came together and brought her awake with a start.
    Jessica stood up and glanced at the Vienna pendulum clock that hung on the wall over Alex’s desk. Even though it was past midnight, she ran up the stairs and tapped on Ki’s door. When he opened it, she whispered, “We’ve got to talk tonight about the Box B herd being rustled, Ki.”
    â€œTonight? Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”
    â€œNo. We need to go over my idea right now.”
    Ki nodded. “You wouldn’t be in such a hurry if it weren’t important. I’ll be right down.”
    â€œIn Alex’s study. I’ll start some water boiling. We’ll both want tea.”
    By the time Ki came into the study, water was boiling in the miniature two-cup kettle over the flame of the spirit-burner that was always kept ready on its stand in a corner of the room. Jessie had just opened a tin of tea, and its subtle aroma was stealing through the air.
    Ki sniffed appreciatively. “Ah, Cloud Mist. Perfect for a late-night conference.”
    â€œThat’s what I thought, too.”
    Jessie put a pinch of the tea into the cups she’d gotten out and poured the boiling water into them. The fragrance of the steeping tea rose from the cups. She handed one to Ki and took the other to the desk, where she sat down in the big leather chair. Ki took his cup to the sofa and sat down facing her.
    â€œWhat is this idea you have, Jessie?”
    â€œIt may be farfetched, Ki, but it’s the only thing I can think of that makes sense. If I’m right, rustling the Box B herd is just the start of something much, much bigger.”
    â€œThere’s more to it than just a gang of bandits from Mexico starting the old Laredo Loop again, then?”
    â€œPerhaps. That’s what we’ll have to find out. But I’ve gotten very suspicious of coincidences.”
    Quickly, Jessie outlined for Ki what she’d found concerning the Farnam family in her father’s notebook. When she’d finished, Ki shook his head.
    â€œI still don’t see what you’re driving at, Jessie.”
    â€œI don’t think it’s a coincidence that a young lieutenant named Joe Farnam was suddenly placed in command at Fort Chaplin, Ki. Especially at the same time the army changed its policy of helping ranchers along the border to deal with rustlers who come across the Rio Grande from Mexico.”
    Ki said thoughtfully, “Policy is made in Washington, of course. That would mean that Farnam’s father could