The Outlaw's Return by Victoria Bylin

Fancy,” he called to his dog.
    When she barked, he rested his hand on his gun. When she barked a second time, he worried she’d gotten stuck in the willows lining the stream. Approaching cautiously, he saw her in the middle of the water, looking down with her ears pricked and her tail wagging. When she pawed at something, a trout escaped her grasp with a small leap. J.T. laughed out loud. How many dogs knew how tofish? He called her again and she came bounding to him, her chest wet and her eyes full of triumph. He dropped down to his knees and hugged her hard. He hoped that someday Mary would come as willingly into his arms.

Chapter Seven
    O n Monday morning, Mary saw Roy Desmond walk into the café for breakfast. He took his usual table in the corner, greeted Gertie with a debonair smile and ordered ham and eggs. She wondered if he’d made his selection for Arline, the lead character in The Bohemian Girl. Gertie had been nagging her to accept the part, and she wouldn’t let up until Roy picked someone else. There was a lull in the crowd, so Mary dried her hands on her apron and went to say hello.
    Roy saw her coming and stood. “Good morning, Mary.”
    â€œHello, Roy.”
    He indicated the chair. “Would you care to join me?”
    â€œYes, but just for a minute.” She sat before he could hold her chair, making small talk so that she didn’t look anxious. When the moment seemed right, she brought up the new opera. “How’s the casting going?” she asked.
    â€œJust fine,” he said. “Except for Arline. I’m still hoping you’ll change your mind.”
    The role of Arline, a gypsy princess, appealed to Mary in every way. The music soared, and she liked the girl’sbravery. Until Roy filled the part, she’d yearn to take it. “I hope you find someone soon.”
    He held her gaze. “The role’s yours. Just say the word.”
    â€œNo. But thank you.”
    â€œAt least look at the audition poster.” He put his elbows on the table, laced his fingers and leaned slightly forward. “Do you recall the advertisement for your show in Abilene?”
    â€œOf course.” Chill bumps erupted on her arms. She had no desire to remember those days, especially not with Roy.
    â€œThe same artist did the drawing.” He lowered his voice to a murmur. “Of course, that was before the trouble you had with O’Day.”
    Had Roy meant to assure her that he’d keep her secret, or was he using the old scandal to blackmail her into playing Arline? Mary didn’t know, but she didn’t take kindly to threats. The thought of the scandal erupting made her tremble, but threats made her fighting mad. Which had Roy intended? She needed to find out, so she looked him in the eye with deliberate poise. “I’m sure the poster is lovely.”
    â€œIt is.”
    â€œI appreciate your interest,” she said. “But my singing career is over.
    He lowered his chin. “That’s a tragedy.”
    â€œIt’s my choice.” It had been, sort of. If she hadn’t lost her reputation, she would have never left the stage. “I have a good life now. I’m happy.”
    He teased her with a smile. “You’d be even happier singing for me.”
    Laughing, she stood to leave. “No one will be happy if I don’t get back to the stove. Have a good day, Roy.”
    â€œOne more thing.” He stopped her with a hand on her fore arm. “I ran into a mutual friend of ours.”
    She thought of the dozens of people she’d met in her acting days. Even a distant acquaintance could stir up gossip about the scandal. Her stomach churned. “Who?”
    â€œJ. T. Quinn.”
    She felt relieved. J.T. wouldn’t talk. “I saw him on Sunday.”
    â€œJust thought I’d mention it,” Roy added.
    Mary excused herself and headed to the kitchen. Whatever worries she had about Roy