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there is little to tell. We have been trying to decide what is most advantageous to our associates. Obviously much of the work force has already left the area. Getting them back might be difficult. Building another mill here . . . well . . . I haven’t yet been convinced that it would be to our advantage.”
    “Then I’m here to demand you release Vandermark Logging from our contract. If the sawmill isn’t operating, we’ve gotta sell our logs to someone who is operating.”
    The man laughed. “Whatever makes you think I would release you?”
    G.W. leaned forward and narrowed his eyes. “You seem to be concerned with what’s best for you and yours. I’m thinkin’ this would be one of those things.”
    “Is this your way of threatening me?” Albright fixed him with a hard stare. “Because if you think to intimidate me, you might as well give up. I’ve crossed better men and won.”
    G.W. eased back in the chair. “Without a mill up and runnin’, neither of us are makin’ money.”
    Stuart laughed. “You may not be making any money, but I’m doing quite well for myself. A wise man diversifies, Mr. Vandermark. It’s hardly my fault you’ve failed to do so. You’re the one who agreed to provide your logs exclusively to my sawmill.”
    It was hard to remain seated, but G.W. managed somehow. “You need to know that we’ve talked to a lawyer. He tells us we are well within our rights to sue for breach of contract. You’ve taken longer than needed to make a decision regardin’ the mill. A court would most likely release us from the contract and allow us to team up elsewhere. We’re willin’ to take this as far as we need to if you won’t see reason.”
    “My, my. You certainly get right to the point.” Albright leaned back in his chair as if completely unconcerned. “I suppose you think this comes as a surprise to me. That I have failed to plan for this possibility.”
    “I don’t reckon I care one way or the other. If you’re surprised, then that’s the way it is. We still plan to do what’s necessary to take care of our business.”
    “I see. Well, let me assure you, Mr. Vandermark, I’m not a man to be threatened or forced. When I feel backed into a corner, I simply come out fighting.”
    G.W. shrugged and rubbed his leg. “That’s your right. I’ve cornered many a wild hog that felt the same way. The results weren’t in their favor.”
    Albright clenched his jaw and narrowed his eyes to mere slits.
    G.W. knew the man was trying to intimidate him, but the only thing G.W. feared from Albright was the way he was bent on hurting the Vandermarks. And even then, it wasn’t so much fear as irritation.
    “Mr. Vandermark, do you suppose that a country bumpkin such as yourself could best me at anything?”
    G.W. couldn’t resist. He grinned smugly. “I got the gal, didn’t I?”
    Albright’s face flushed scarlet, and his eyes seemed to bug out of his head.
    With nostrils flaring, Albright got to his feet. “You think you can throw that in my face and win? It only serves to strengthen my resolve to see you destroyed. You have no power to stand against me. I will crush you like so many ants beneath my feet.”
    G.W. crossed his arms against his chest and hoped he looked as though he hadn’t a care in the world. “Seems to me, Albright, that you’re the one without a leg to stand on. You’re used to bullyin’ folks to get what you want—includin’ women. Folks out this way don’t much appreciate that kind of thing. You might have all the power in the world back East, but here in Texas, things are done different and folks look out for one another. My suggestion is that you get over losin’ Lizzie and love the woman you married. You’d think with all that money you’re always braggin’ about, you could afford to buy her whole dresses.”
    Albright rounded the desk and stared down at G.W. with intense hatred. “I will see an end to you and your family.”
    G.W. got to his feet