Stronger Than the Rest Read Online Free

preferred to call it, had failed. Now he was left to expand his wealth and holdings without the deceased rancher.
    Thinking it over, Ira believed Bierdan’s death had been the best possible outcome. Cattle rustling on a large scale could be profitable—had funded most of Ira’s operations—but was drawing more attention from the likes of Tom Horn and other Range Detectives. It was time to expand his existing businesses, such as the acquisition of land.
    “Have you confirmed Dunnigan’s interest in the land?” Walsh asked.
    “He’s still as interested as you are in the Cold Creek area. Has had his attorney, Drew MacLaren, send correspondence asking for a meeting once Mrs. Bierdan is over her mourning.”
    “Yes, our crippled patron.” Ira knew of the MacLarens, and knew what had happened to Louis Dunnigan’s attorney in the Cold Creek shootout. He’d known almost from the day it had happened.
    “Send a message to Mrs. Bierdan. Express my interest in her property and ask that she not accept any other offers until I’ve had a chance to present my terms. Let her know that I will be quite generous if she decides to sell to me.”
    “Will you be the one handling the negotiations?”
    “Yes, but from a distance for as long as possible. I may have someone ride ahead, scout out the situation, and learn if there are others interested in her land besides Dunnigan and Taylor. One can never be too careful. Isn’t that right, Conner?”
    Connor raised his eyebrows, but nodded, then shut the office door behind him.
    ******
    “Excuse me?”
    Connor looked down at the pretty young woman who stood before him. “May I help you?”
    “I hope so. We’ve just arrived on the train and are looking for this address.” Tessa Taylor held out the worn piece of paper.
    Connor scanned the address, then paused at the name written at the bottom. Interesting . “Yes, I do know this address and would be pleased if you’d allow me to accompany you and …?”
    “My aunt. Well, she’s not actually my aunt. She’s Mr. MacLaren’s.” Tessa nodded toward a woman who stood a few feet away on the train platform. The woman looked to be in her fifties. Her brown hair was streaked with gray and pulled into a neat bun, all tucked under a wide bonnet. She stood ramrod straight and her eyes widened a little as they locked on the man speaking with Tessa.
    Connor’s gaze lingered on the older woman for a few moments before returning to the young lady. “I’d be happy to escort you and your aunt to Mr. MacLaren’s. I’m Connor.” He tipped his hat to Tessa.
    “Pleased to meet you Mr. Connor,” Tessa began.
    “Just Connor, ma’am.”
    “Well, all right then, Connor. I’m Tessa Taylor and this is Mrs. Alicia MacLaren,” she responded as they walked over to stand beside Alicia.
    “Mrs. MacLaren.” Connor made a slight bow to Alicia.
    “Connor is it?” Alicia continued to scrutinize the stranger, not sure if she felt grateful or wary. There was something familiar about him. “You know the address. Does that mean you know my nephew?”
    “I have had the pleasure. Now, if you’re ready, I’ll see to your trunks and we’ll be on our way.”
    “Is Mr. MacLaren a relative of yours, Miss Taylor?” Connor asked as a way to spend the time while the buggy moved along.
    “No. A friend. He visited us not long back and helped us with some problems at our ranch.” Tessa glanced at the handsome man. He wore his tan colored greatcoat over black slacks, white shirt, and black vest. His head was shielded from the sun by a black western style hat that was common in this part of the country.
    “Tessa decided to accompany me, and since she knows my nephew—was present when he was injured—it seemed like a good idea,” Alicia added. She didn’t know why she felt the need to elaborate, but something about Connor made her want to prolong the conversation, see if something he said would help her figure out why he seemed familiar.
    “I see,”