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Will studied Garn Prescott over the ri Prescott went as deep as Texas soil Will had no love, let alone trust, for Ferg’s son—especially after seeing Garn drooling over Tori at the funeral But these were new ti world, cooperation was the only hope of gaining that canyon land back

“So what can I do for you, Garn?” he asked

“It’s like you to get right to the point, Will” Prescott was beginning to show his age His silvery hair was thinning on top and his skin was speckled with sunspots How old was he? Fifty-four? Fifty-five? Too old for Tori, that was for daht

Prescott took a sip of his bourbon and licked his lips “As you know, I’ for reelection”

“I’m aware of that,” Will said “And I’ht elections by a landslide Is there any reason to worry this time around?”

Prescott stretched his legs in front of himself His cowboy boots were i rancher “It’s not so much about the election as the norowing There’s talk of squeezing me out in favor of a candidate who’ll voice their views You know I’ve always stood up for the ranchers, Will”

“I know That’s why I’ve voted for you” Will could guess where this was leading

“This ti to need more than your vote”

“Want to be more specific?”

“The Tylers have a lot of prestige in this district A public endorse difference So could a cash contribution if you can spare it”

Will’s fingers stroked the surface of the cut glass “And what’s in it for ress?”

“Isn’t that enough?” Prescott looked surprised As usual, he’d expected so

Will shook his head “You can have ht an old wrong Thirty years ago, my father was forced to sell your father a piece of ranch property—that little canyon with the spring Do you know the place I mean?”

“Yes The one with the Spanish gold”

“Which your father never found I want to buy it back—for a fair price that you can keep as et my public endorsement as well”