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“A large nuhbors caht he’d like to know that

“I’lad he never lived to see Boston take possession of his land” A muscle flexed in his jaw

“Mr Boston felt very badly about the position his bank was forced to take” Lorna wasn’t sure why she felt the need to defend the banker’s action

His glance pierced her “Did Boston come to the funeral?”

“No, but he ca to offer his condolences,” she explained “Mr Boston was upset by the possibility that the foreclosure proceedings precipitated your father’s death”

“I’ll bet he was upset” His voice was dry with sarcasm

A frown gathered in her expression “You surely don’t blame him for what happened? I’m sure it was a decision that was forced on him And I kno tilanced away, vaguely irritated by his attitude “I’ as he could”

“Are you?” Benteen murmured

“Yes, and I don’t see why you’re acting like this,” she adhbors, and you worked for him several years I’m sure he found himself in a very aard position, as a banker”

“Boston has wanted the Cee Bar’s graze and water for years He’s been slowly squeezing ot what he wanted all along The Cee Bar is his” Benteen pushed his hat onto his head, pulling it do in front and back “I’ve known he wanted it for years, so did Pa Boston is only pretending to be upset so he’ll look good in the town’s eyes Don’t believe him”

Taking her by the elbow, Benteen turned her away froy He sounded so certain about the banker’s motives that Lorna wondered if she hadn’t been too ready to believe the best She was used to trusting people

“Have you been to the ranch since you got back?” She tried to watch hi at the same time

“Yes” His faint smile had an unpleasant look to it “Judd Boston had a reception co for me”

“He did?” She was confused by his choice of words

“A man and a rifle were there to ,” Benton explained When they reached the buggy, he paused to glance back at the graveyard “The last reason I had for staying in Texas is buried there It’s the last ti to be put in Texas dirt”