She'd questioned him when they headed west instead of east. He'd mumbled something about new quarters. She barely heard his words now before he abruptly ducked down a narrow alley. "So long, witch." Then a new voice spoke. "Rafe Conley's little bride! This is indeed an honor. Tobias Bannister." Sparkle turned and met the gaze of a well-dressed stranger. Every instinct said he meant her harm, though she had no idea who he was or why he should put her off. "Mr. Malloy went to get his wife. They're coming right back," she lied, edging against a building with paint peeling away from its rotted wood siding. "Mr. Malloy will be only too glad to have you out of Wichita," the dandy assured her. "He thinks you're in league with Satan. He doesn't trust your influence on his wife and other local ladies. I'm more interested in your influence on your husband. Any time now, your employer will inform Wichita's lawmen you've been abducted. Conley will be told where to meet me if he wants to see you alive again." "No!" Sparkle balked, but the man clamped a hand over her mouth.
