The Marshal's Prize (Harlequin American Romance)

by Winters, Rebecca

“If you need backup, holler.” They disconnected.

  Mitch wanted a look at Georgia’s boss and figured whoever it was would leave the pub at some point during the afternoon. Though Mitch was tempted to phone Heidi while he waited, he had nothing new to tell her about the case. Until he’d fingered everyone connected, he couldn’t talk to her about future plans. Tomorrow they’d be together. For the moment his job was to sit here and wait for something to happen.

  When ten minutes had gone by, he drank his coffee before it grew too cold to tolerate. No sooner had he finished it than he saw a tall man come out of the pub pushing a road bike out the door. He carried his cyclist’s helmet. It was Gary Norris!

  Mitch had seen his picture at Heidi’s house when Zack had showed him his room.

  Gotcha.

  Mitch took a series of photos, then started up the car to follow him. Sure enough he pedaled to the Warburton home two miles away. When he dropped his bike in the front yard, Mitch got more photos of him hurrying up the porch steps into the house. No sign of the pickup truck.

  The guy might be in there for half an hour or all day. It didn’t matter to Mitch. He’d found what he’d been looking for and headed to Salt Lake. Norris didn’t have enough money for a second car, but he didn’t dare drive his Miata, which was too distinctive. Had he always ridden a bike? Had he cycled with Heidi early on in their marriage?

  Before he drove himself crazy with questions, he phoned the guys doing surveillance in the van outside the plant in Woods Cross. “What’s your day been like?” he asked when Phil picked up.

  “Nothing’s going on here. We listened in on the conversations until they left the plant last night, but we didn’t pick up anything that sounds remotely suspect.”

  “Maybe Jonas and Lucas aren’t involved. Today I got positive ID on Gary Norris. He’s the manager at the Drop In Family Pub in Alpine. We have positive ID on Nadine Owens, who handles the switch. We know how the bags are being transferred to the pub. What I’m waiting for is that final piece of evidence to link them on paper. Lon’s working on that for me as we speak.”

  “Anything else we can do?”

  “I won’t need you on surveillance any longer, but be available in case of an emergency. Thanks for a great job.”

  “You bet. See you at the office.”

  After he clicked off, he called Roman and left a voice message, giving him the most recent update on the case. “I’ll need your help for a warrant to subpoena the phone records on Nadine Owens and Gary Norris.

  “One more thing. Tomorrow morning the guys and I will be watching the parade at the north end of Liberty Park. Zack Norris is riding on the Bauer float. If you’re interested, why don’t you meet up with us? We’re going to have a picnic right there. I’ll give Lisa a call to see if she’d like to come, too. See you later.”

  Maybe Heidi would want to be with her family at the ranch barbecue after the parade. She’d said it was going to be a big affair, but she hadn’t shared her actual plans with him. In case she tried to get out of being with him at the park, he would invite her and Zack to join him and the P.I. crowd and see what happened.

  The second he got back to his apartment, he sat down on the end of the bed and pulled off his new cowboy boots. He hadn’t done much walking in them, yet his feet were already sore. The boots would take some breaking in. That’s what the salesclerk had told him and he believed her.

  Needing to channel his energy into something physical, he changed into shorts and a T-shirt, then took off up Emigration Canyon on his bike, where he did his best thinking. The exercise was great for releasing tension and Mitch had tension by the bucketloads.

  On top of everything else on his mind, he thought about Heidi’s suggestion of placing a newspaper ad using the orange crate as a visual reminder. As an idea for locating his mother or father, it was brilliant. But he couldn’t imagine anything coming of it.

  What he could imagine was being with her tomorrow. All day.

  And all night? Didn’t he wish.

  Mitch rode until dusk before returning home to make a certain phone call. Tonight he would have to be content with just hearing her voice.

  * * *

  “DO I HAVE TO WEAR THAT straw hat tomorrow? It looks stupid.”

  Heidi had put Zack to bed, but he was nowhere near ready to go to sleep. “It’s part of your costume. How many pioneer boys do you think walked across the plains with Marine haircuts?”

  “Maybe a whole bunch. Mitch says they’re cooler.”

  These days Mitch was the authority on everything. “That’s true, but Sylvia planned all the outfits. You don’t want to disappoint her, do you?”

  “It’s itchy.”

  “Well, you can take it off and on. How’s that?”

  “I don’t like hats.”

  If Heidi told him how cute he looked in it with those suspenders and plaid shirt, he’d hate it. “Let’s not worry about that now. You need sleep so you’ll feel good while you’re riding on the float. It gets hot when you’re standing up there waving.”

  “What if I get thirsty?”

  “Sylvia has water bottles hidden for you.”

  “I might have to go to the bathroom.”

  “Just hold it.”

  “Did you ever have to go to the bathroom when you rode on the float?”

  “I don’t remember, but I’m sure you’ll be too excited to even think about it.”

  “Do you think Mitch will really come?”

  “Has he ever let you down?”

  “No.”

  “There’s your answer, then. Good night, honey.”

  “Hey, the phone’s ringing. I bet it’s Mitch. He said he’d call.”

  She’d been waiting to hear from him for hours and suspected that was why Zack hadn’t been able to settle down yet. “Hello?” she said after clicking on, hoping she didn’t sound as breathless as she felt.

  It was Mitch.

  “Hi! Have I phoned too late to speak to Zack?”

  “No. He’s right here. Just a minute.”

  Zack had already scrambled out of bed and took the cell phone from her. “Hi, Mitch.” They talked for a few minutes. Mostly her son laughed. “Yeah. I have to wear suspenders.” More giggles. “Okay. See you in the morning.” He handed her the phone. “Mitch wants to talk to you.”

  “Now will you go to bed?”

  Zack nodded and climbed under the covers. She turned off his light and walked down the hall to the living room. “Thanks for remembering to call. I think he’ll fall asleep now.”

  “At his age, I would have been awake all night waiting for the big event. It isn’t every day a boy gets to ride on a float in front of thousands of people.”

  “You’re right.” She sat down on the couch, tucking one leg underneath her. “Did you learn anything new today?”

  “Yes, but I’d prefer we talk about that tomorrow night when we meet with your father. I’m afraid I’m as excited as Zack for morning to come. When I see your float, I’ll follow it to the drop-off point. Will it say ‘Bauer’ on it?”

  She smiled secretly. “No, but I promise it will stand out. You won’t be able to miss it.”

  “Especially not with your son stealing the show. It’s getting late and I know you have to be up early, so I’ll let you go. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, Heidi.” His voice came across deep and husky.

  “Zack and I are, too. Good night.”

  She hung up, sensing Mitch had learned something new about Gary he thought would upset her. What he didn’t know was that there was nothing about her ex-husband’s activities that would surprise her now. Gary had failed to be a father to their son. His relinquishing his God-given fatherly right of his own free will was the most grievous part o
f all he’d done in showing himself to be a miserable human being.

  In truth Heidi was glad Mitch hadn’t wanted to get into anything unpleasant tonight. She had no idea what the future held, but he made her happy beyond comprehension. Since time was running out, tomorrow she would grab hold of that happiness while she still could.

  Sleep came while she was reliving those moments in his arms during the storm. She’d experienced much more than a physical rush and wanted desperately to explore what was going on between them.

  When her alarm clock went off the next morning at seven, she leaped out of bed so excited to see Mitch that time passed by in a blur before they were on their way to the city center in Heidi’s mom’s car.

  “There’s our float!” Zack called.

  Heidi’s mom pulled her car to a stop on a side street feeding into South Temple near the start of the parade. “I think it’s the most beautiful one we’ve ever had.”

  “Sylvia’s committee really outdid themselves this year.” Her Bauer cousin and her husband, Daniel, lived on the ranch and took care of the horses. Sylvia loved the Pioneer Holiday. Heidi got out of the car with Zack, wearing her jeans and a new blue shirt. “Thanks for the ride, Mom. We’ll see you and dad at Liberty Park.” Her father had driven into town early.

  “Have fun, darling,” the older woman said to Zack.

  “I will. Bye, Grandma.”

  Zack was excited to join the other Bauer children, most of whom were already being placed on the float. Sylvia had said there would be sixteen of them from the ages of six to twelve. This was the first year Zack could ride on it. Their costumes looked authentic. From a distance Heidi had a hard time believing they weren’t pioneer children from 1847.

  Heidi gave her son a kiss. “Remember I’ll be right inside the float. Keep waving and smiling. Here’s your hat. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  Sylvia’s husband, Daniel, took Zack in hand and swung him up on the float. While he was being shown where to stand, Heidi slipped through the side of the float into the truck. Karl flashed her a grin from behind the wheel. “I know it’s hot in here. The temperature is already ninety degrees and climbing. As soon as Daniel gives us the all clear, I’ll turn on the AC.”

  “You wouldn’t think we’d need it with only thirteen city blocks to cover. I’m just thankful we’re the first float in the parade.” They couldn’t get to Liberty Park soon enough for her. When she thought of seeing Mitch, her pulse raced and she felt feverish. Yesterday was the first day they hadn’t been together in a week. It had been the longest day of her life.

  “Amen to that. I’ve brought some water bottles if you get thirsty.”

  “Thanks, Karl. I’ll probably need at least one. Is Bruno coming?”

  “No. Bernice wouldn’t let him. They’re going to watch it on TV.”

  “I think that’s a good idea. Oh—I can hear the band. It looks like we’re ready to roll. I set the DVR to record so Zack and I can watch the whole thing later.”

  “Sally didn’t want to bring the baby out in this heat, so she’s home recording it for me and the kids. Well, here we go.” He turned on the engine and before long cool air flowed through the cab. They both looked at each other and said, “Heaven.”

  * * *

  WHILE MITCH’S BUDDIES were busy staking out their corner of the park, he sat in one of their camp chairs to watch the beginning of the parade on his iPhone. The television studio producing the broadcast had set up their booth on State Street. He wanted to hear the commentary.

  After the welcoming speech and announcement of dignitaries attending the celebration, the parade MC took over. Mitch listened and watched intently.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, we are delighted to present the Grand Marshal of this year’s Days of ’47 Parade. Give a big hand to Erntz J. Bauer, riding his favorite horse, Prince. He’s one of our prominent heads of industry in the Beehive State. Bauer Donuts is a name synonymous with the building up of the West. The first Bauer came into the Valley from Austria in 1892 and immediately contributed to the welfare of our community. The Bauer name is renowned throughout the western states.”

  Heidi had shown Mitch pictures of her father last week. The blue-eyed man was probably six feet tall. He looked trim as he sat astride his chestnut performing maneuvers with great expertise while he carried the Utah flag. He wore a black cowboy hat and fringed Western jacket. Though he was in his sixties, he still had thick, blond curly hair. Heidi had definitely inherited his coloring.

  Odd as it was, emotion clogged Mitch’s throat. The man being honored was Heidi’s father and Zack’s grandfather. What a heritage they’d all come from. He watched him lead the sheriff’s mounted posse. It was followed by the University of Utah marching band. Then he caught sight of the first float.

  “The beautiful float passing in front of the stands with the huge papier-mâché donuts has been made by the Bauer Donuts Company. Their motto is ‘Press forward and onward.’ Sixteen Bauer children, descendants of Saska Bauer, who started Bauer’s, are dressed in pioneer clothing re-created from their family’s pioneer photographs. The giant donut dominating the float has a field shaped like the Austrian eidelweiss flower. It’s filled with freshly picked Eidelweiss grown on the Bauer ranch. The first thing Saska did after she started growing potatoes was put in a garden to grow eidelweiss in this land of the everlasting hills.”

  The camera zoomed in on the children. Mitch’s eyes smarted when he saw Zack waving to the crowd with a hat in his hand. Heidi’s son had gotten to him from the moment they were introduced. Right now that cute little guy was so precious to him he realized that what he felt for the boy was love. Pure love.

  After clearing his throat, he got up and walked around. Chaz flicked him a glance. “Are you all right?” he asked.

  “Yes. I’m just anxious for Zack’s float to show up here at the park so I can wave to him.” Seeing him on his iPhone wasn’t the same thing.

  “I couldn’t tell. Have a drink on me.” He handed him a cola from one of the coolers packed with ice. They both drained their cans.

  “Thanks. That tasted good. I think I’ll walk down a couple of blocks to keep an eye out for them.”

  “I’ll tell the others.”

  Mitch took off, working his way through the crowds of people lining the street along Ninth South. Many of them had slept along the parade route overnight. The usual clowns and police on motorcycles moved back and forth along the route. Finally he heard the band in the distance. After a few more minutes it passed, followed by Heidi’s father, then the posse. But by now Mitch’s eyes were focused on the float containing the two people he cared about most in the world. He started taking pictures.

  “Hey, Zack, over here!”

  Zack’s head jerked around. When he saw Mitch, his flushed face broke out in a huge smile. “Mitch!” He waved his hat.

  As the float moved toward the park, Mitch wended his way through the crowd to stay in full view of Zack. The procession passed by the area where Mitch and his friends had stationed themselves. It soon entered the park and the float came to a stop.

  “Hey, sport!” Mitch crossed to the boy and reached for him. Without hesitation Zack lunged for him. When he felt those arms wind tightly around the neck, he was too moved by emotion to talk for a minute. He finally got the words out. “You were great up there.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Was it fun?”

  “Yeah, but it’s sure hot.” Zack leaned back to look at him. “I wish I had a cowboy hat like yours. I could pick you out of everybody.”

  “That’s why I wore it. Let’s find your mom.”

  “She’s underneath the float.”

  Children and parents were clustered around the chaotic scene, but there was only one woman in the world he knew w
ith golden curls like Heidi’s. “Mom, over here!” Zack had seen her, too.

  Her gaze swung in their direction. Mitch felt a sudden stillness when she emerged from the crowd looking gorgeous in hip-hugging jeans and a summery, pale blue top that matched the color of her eyes. She moved toward them and reached for her son.

  “I’m so proud of you, honey.” As she hugged him, her eyes lifted to Mitch. They sparkled like precious gems. “Howdy, pardner,” she said in a low voice. “Didn’t know you’d rolled into Dodge.” Zack laughed. “How long do you figure on stayin’?”

  Mitch wasn’t sure if it was a loaded question or not. He tipped his hat back. “Well, now, ma’am,” he said with a smile. “That all depends on how happy you are to see me.”

  “We’re very happy to see you, aren’t we, Zack?”

  “Yeah!”

  Her answer would have to do for now. “In that case, stroll on over and meet my friends. I’ll rustle you up something to eat and drink.”

  Though the guys were careful, Mitch saw them glance at Heidi and give him a silent nod of approval. Once introductions were made and everyone was enjoying the picnic, Abby wanted to play with Zack’s straw hat. While she put it on over her bouncy red curls, Mitch produced the hat he’d bought for Zack and plopped it on his head.

  “You got me one, too?”

  “Yeah. It keeps the sun out of your eyes.”

  “Thanks!” Buying him a hat was such a small thing, but Mitch was honored with another bone-cracking hug. “I love it!”

  Heidi’s eyes thanked him.

  Travis and his son, Casey, had both come to the parade wearing black cowboy hats. Roman got out his camera. “This calls for a group picture, Comrades.” He loved to use his Russian jargon on them from time to time. “We need a couple of pictures for posterity.”

  The wives plied Heidi with questions about her pioneer ancestry. Everyone studiously avoided any mention of the reason she’d come to the Lufka firm in the first place. The guys got up a game of Frisbee, but Mitch failed to catch it several times because his attention wasn’t what it should have been.