The Marshal's Prize (Harlequin American Romance)

by Winters, Rebecca

As perfect and beautiful a picture as all this might appear, it had a lot wrong with it. Today the Bauers had been featured prominently in the pioneer festivities, yet one of their own was stealing from them.

  This morning Zack had ridden on the Bauer float. Any parent would be bursting with pride to call him son, yet Zack’s father was down in Alpine, getting away with more crimes against the company and his own flesh and blood.

  The call from Lew Davies before Mitch had left his apartment earlier had robbed him of some of the joy in showing off Heidi and Zack to his boss and good friends. I really need you here, Mitch. We’re all missing you and want you back ASAP. How soon can I expect you?

  An hour ago the beauty of this picture-perfect day had been further marred by the question Heidi had posed in a little different way. How long do you figure on stayin’?

  The answer to that question was still up in the air.

  When the Frisbee game had finished, Roman made an announcement. “Brittany and I want everyone to come swimming at our house.” His invitation was met with cheers.

  Zack walked back to the group with Mitch. “We didn’t bring our suits.”

  “That’s no problem. Ask your mother if she wants to go. If she says yes, I’ll drive you home in my car and we’ll get our stuff.”

  “Goody!” He ran on ahead to talk to Heidi. She was busy helping with the cleanup. In a second he darted back to Mitch. “She said it sounds like a lot of fun.”

  It did sound like a lot of fun, but he knew she had weightier things on her mind. Today was a case of the sweet. Tonight the bitter would come when they had to sit down with her father and Bruno.

  Chapter Nine

  “Zack’s already asleep, Mom. He passed out early, thank goodness.”

  “After the day you’ve had, I’m not surprised.”

  “Thanks for staying with him.”

  “I’m glad to do it. Bernice thinks it’s better you meet at Bruno’s.”

  “I agree, but I don’t know how long we’ll be there.”

  “It doesn’t matter. Stop worrying.”

  Heidi kissed her cheek. “I can hear a car in the driveway. That’ll be Mitch.”

  “One of these days I’d like to meet the man you’ve fallen in love with.”

  Her mother’s blunt comment caught her off guard. “There’s a reason I’d rather you didn’t. I may be in love, but he’s not in love with me, Mom. It’s called lust. The two are different animals.”

  “Heidi Bauer!” She couldn’t remember the last time her mother had been upset with her. But her mother hadn’t heard his answer when Heidi had asked him how long he was going to be in town. You don’t build dreams on That all depends on how happy you are to see me.

  What kind of answer was that? She felt certain he would never pull himself away from Florida—especially as he had hope of finding his mother there. Besides, it was clear a job as a P.I. couldn’t possibly compete with the excitement and danger of a job as a federal marshal. He hadn’t even been worried about Whitey Filmore. The fact that the guy was back behind bars didn’t matter to him one way or the other.

  “I learned my lesson with Gary,” Heidi said now. “Facts are facts. Mitch’s home is in Florida and he’ll be going back there now that this case is coming to an end. Gotta run.”

  She hurried out of the house. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said to Mitch, who was just striding up the walk. Heidi had never seen him in a sport coat and trousers before. The tan color suited him. Everything suited him. He looked sensational.

  “Was Zack being difficult?” After he helped her into the car, she gave him the directions to Bruno’s house.

  “No. He went right to bed. That cowboy hat is hanging on his bedpost. Thanks for spoiling him. Every little boy needs special attention once in a while. Since we’re alone, I’d like to tell you how much I enjoyed your friends today. They’re wonderful, all of them.”

  “They thought you and Zack were pretty terrific, too.”

  “That’s nice to hear. Brittney and Lacey told stories about how their husbands figured out within a week who’d been stalking them. I told them you’d only been on my case a week and had already solved it. You men are an awesome group. I really can’t thank you enough. You’ll hear my family’s gratitude when we meet at Bruno’s.”

  His mouth thinned. “Have you finished?”

  She blinked. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean it sounds like you’re ready to send me off into the wild blue yonder.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Oh, yes, you do.” He suddenly pulled the car to the side of the road and turned off the engine. “Maybe it’s because we haven’t had a moment’s privacy until this minute.” She didn’t have time to take another breath before he reached over and pulled her into his arms as he’d done during the storm.

  “I don’t know about you, but being in that pool with you this afternoon unable to do what I wanted with you has sent me out of my mind. I need this before we do anything else.” He covered her mouth with refined ferocity, giving her one deep kiss after another.

  At first she clung to him, wanting him with every cell in her body. But as their passion escalated, she feared that if she kept on responding the way she wanted to, she’d surrender her heart and suffer the consequences when he was gone.

  “Mitch.” She moaned his name, fighting the natural urges of her body.

  “Don’t pull away from me,” he cried softly when he realized she wasn’t giving as freely as before. “I’ve been living for this all day.”

  “The feeling will pass. It has to.” Heidi sat up with difficulty and moved to her side of the car. “This isn’t going to work, snatching a moment here and another one there. Have you forgotten we’re due at my great-uncle’s house in five minutes?”

  “I’ve forgotten nothing and am damning the fact that we have to go anywhere or do anything else tonight except be in each other’s arms. Do you have any idea how much I want you? Don’t make this any harder than it is on us. I can’t take it.”

  “Do you doubt that I want you any less? You think this isn’t as hard on me?” Even though they weren’t touching, she felt the shudder that passed through his body. “I’m going to be frank with you about something I didn’t mention yesterday.

  “I haven’t been with any man since Gary. My failed marriage has made me nervous to get close to a man again. I was never this on fire for him and it scares me. If I didn’t have a child, maybe I’d be willing to give into my desire until it burned itself out, but for Zack’s sake I won’t act that irresponsibly. Surely you understand!”

  “I’m trying.”

  She threw her head back. “In case you didn’t notice, we’re now five minutes late.”

  After a tension-filled silence he started the car and drove them the rest of the way without talking. She’d taken the risk of angering him. He was definitely upset. But it was better than allowing things to get too far out of control.

  Her dad’s car was parked in front of the two-car garage of Bruno’s home. Mitch pulled alongside it and killed the engine. She got out because she didn’t want him to come around and help her. There’d be too great a chance of their arms or hips brushing. One look from his dark eyes could set her off and she’d succumb to the needs throbbing inside of her.

  Bernice must have seen them drive up and held the door for them.

  “Hi, Bernice.” Heidi gave her a hug. “I’d like you to meet Mitchell Garrett of the Roman Lufka Private Investigators firm. The best P.I. firm west of the Mississippi.”

  “That’s what I’ve heard. How do you do, Mitchell. It’s a pleasure.” After they shook hands she said, “Your dad’s in the study with Bruno. Go on in.”

  Briefcase in h
and, Mitch followed Heidi down the hall to the study. Bruno, in a wheelchair that had been rolled in front of the big oak desk, was dressed in a smart-looking business suit. Her father, also wearing a dark blue suit, was deep in conversation with him, sitting forward with his hands clasped between his knees.

  When Heidi walked in, he stood up and hugged her hard. She noticed Mitch shake hands with Bruno and introduce himself.

  “You were awesome out there today, Dad.”

  Mitch joined her and nodded. “Watching you put your horse through the paces was a sight I won’t forget.” He shook her father’s hand. “I’m honored to meet both of you gentlemen.”

  “Thank you very much. Seeing so many little Bauers on the float was a double thrill for me.”

  “Can you believe Zack made it through the whole thing?” Heidi interjected. “The children were amazing out in that heat.”

  “Of course they were,” Bruno said. “Bernice and I watched the entire thing on television.” He squeezed his wife’s hand. She’d pulled up a chair next to him. “I was so proud I could hardly see the screen for the tears.”

  Heidi hurried over to kiss his cheek.

  “Please—” Bernice gestured “—both of you sit down on the love seat.”

  When they’d done so, Mitch’s dark brown eyes took in everyone. “I have to say this family has impressive roots. When Heidi accompanied me out to the plant so I could see the layout, she told me about your ancestor Saska Bauer. She was obviously a superwoman in a literal sense.”

  Bruno nodded. “Indeed she was and our Adelheide is just like her.” Heat swept into Heidi’s cheeks. “See that picture on the wall?” Heidi had noticed Mitch looking at it. “They’re the spitting image of each other at Heidi’s age now and they have the same brains.”

  “I’m convinced Zack inherited them, too.” Mitch smiled. “He’s smart as a whip.”

  “Speaking of intelligence, Heidi tells me you’re brilliant at what you do. What about your roots, Mr. Garrett? You have a Germanic/French last name dating back to the seventh century.”

  Heidi shifted nervously on the seat. Bruno was the genealogist of the family, but this was one problem he couldn’t solve and now wasn’t the time to discuss it.

  “I was abandoned as a baby, Mr. Bauer,” Mitch explained, “in a church. I was in an orange crate that said Garrett Fruit Company. I have no idea of my ancestry.”

  All three of them studied him for a long moment before Bruno said, “Whatever your background, you must have genius in you or Adelheide would have told me we needed to find some other P.I.”

  Bernice nodded. “That’s true.”

  Mitch darted Heidi a glance. “I’m flattered. Thank you for your faith in me.”

  Her heart thudded in her chest. “You’re welcome.”

  “We understand you have news for us.”

  “Yes, Mr. Bauer. I think the best way to start is to let you sift through these pictures while I explain. I made two sets.” He reached into his briefcase.

  “I’ll hand them out,” Heidi offered and gave them each a pile. Bernice looked on with Bruno.

  “This first set was taken at the plant by the cameras I installed on the day of the fire inspection. As you can see, Nadine Owens is the one setting things up to steal the bags during the afternoon shift.”

  “Nadine?” Both Bruno and Bernice said her name in a shocked cry.

  Heidi exchanged a knowing glance with her father.

  “The next set of pictures shows the stolen bags of flour and mix being taken off the truck and loaded into a pickup truck in Draper. More pictures reveal the pickup truck delivering the bags to the Drop In Family Pub in Alpine. If you’ll notice the sign, it says homemade pizza and donuts.

  “In the last set of pictures you’ll see a familiar face coming out of the rear of the pub. It’s the manager carrying a cyclist’s helmet. You’ll recognize Heidi’s ex-husband, Gary Norris.”

  Bruno shook his head. “I don’t believe what I’m seeing.”

  “I believe it about Gary,” her normally temperate father declared with undisguised anger. “He was supposed to have gone back to Oregon.”

  “Mitch found out he never went there,” Heidi told her father. “He lives in Alpine and is still driving his Mazda Miata.” She reached into her purse and pulled out the plastic bags containing pizza and donuts she’d put in the freezer. “Mitch went into the pub and bought samples of the food, all made with Bauer flour and mix.” She handed them around so everyone could examine the goods.

  “Pizza?” Bernice sounded incredulous.

  Heidi hunched her shoulders. “Who would have dreamed?”

  “All this time I’ve thought it had to be Jonas or Lucas,” Bruno muttered.

  “Maybe they’re involved,” Mitch said. “I’m waiting for evidence from one of my crew about the person or persons who either own or lease that property in Alpine. It could be a third party, either family or not, who put up money to get the business started.

  “By morning I’ll have the pertinent information, but tonight you have enough evidence here to talk over how you want to proceed. Before I report for work in the warehouse tomorrow so no one suspects anything, I’ll turn in my notes and film to Roman Lufka. When you’re ready, he’ll be happy to advise you about contacting the police.”

  Heidi’s dad got up and walked over to shake Mitch’s hand. “You’ve done us an invaluable service for which we can never repay you. The Lufka firm enjoys a stellar reputation. Now we know why.” Bruno nodded in agreement.

  “Thank you,” Mitch said, “but don’t forget you asked Heidi to assist me.” She felt his burning glance on her. “She was brilliant in laying the groundwork for me in a clear, precise way. Anything I needed to know and she was right there with the answers. This case couldn’t have moved as fast without her expertise. She really does know the Bauer Donut Company inside and out.”

  Bruno, still nodding, said in a voice choked with tears, “I knew it.”

  Stop, Mitch.

  “When my boss told me I was going to love this case,” Mitch went on, “it was because our firm can’t live without coffee and Bauer SweetSpuds to keep us going. Can you imagine my joy when Heidi trained me how to make the donuts I’ve been consuming ever since I arrived in Salt Lake? I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.”

  While the men chuckled, Bernice’s teary face broke out in a wobbly smile.

  “Though I’m sorry my bloodhound services,” Mitch added, “may have brought you untold grief, I have to confess that this case has been a pleasure I’ll never forget.”

  Now Mitch was giving his goodbye speech. Heidi couldn’t bear it. “Bruno? Is there any reason I shouldn’t go back to work in the morning?”

  “None at all.”

  Good. She turned to her father. “How soon are you leaving?”

  “Now. It’s late. Bruno and Bernice should be getting to bed and I have to pick up your mother.”

  “That’s right,” Bruno said. “We’ve all had a long day and need our sleep. I’ll talk to you first thing in the morning, Ernst.”

  “Then I’ll ride home with you, Dad.” She turned to Mitch. “Bruno’s right. It has been a long day and work starts early in the morning. Thanks again for driving me over here.”

  “Thank you for making my job not feel like a job.” She could still taste his searing kisses on her mouth and throat. “Good night, everyone. I’ll see myself out.”

  Heidi watched him pick up his briefcase and leave the study on those long, hard-muscled legs. Tonight she was feeling so vulnerable, she needed the buffer her father provided in order not to chase after Mitch and show him what he truly meant to her.

  * * *

  MITCH’S CELL PHONE RANG while he was taking his break in the lu
nchroom at the plant in Woods Cross. He’d wanted to see if he could pick up any additional information while he ate with the employees. So far no luck.

  He checked caller ID, wanting it to be Heidi, but knowing in his gut it wasn’t. He’d spent a sleepless night because of her and was feeling like he’d been kicked unconscious and was just coming to.

  “Lon?”

  “I’ve got news. Nadine Bauer Owens is the only signer of the year’s lease with Thackery Enterprises on the Drop In Family Pub property, dated January 3 of this year.”

  “The connection is complete, then. I’ve a hunch she and Gary have kept this between them.”

  “It appears that way. One more thing. The order for Cramer cooking oil comes from G. Norris, manager of the Drop In Family Pub.”

  “There’s nobody who gets the job done as fast and as thoroughly as you, Lon. Turn in your research to Roman and expect a big bonus in your next paycheck. As of now, you’re off the case and deserve a vacation.”

  “I could use one of those. It’s always great working with you, Mitch. I hope the rumor’s not true about you heading back to Florida.”

  “We’ll see. My work isn’t quite through here.”

  “In case you didn’t know, you’d really be missed if you left.”

  A lump lodged in his throat. “The feeling’s mutual. Talk to you later.”

  He rang off before phoning Heidi’s father and Bruno with the news about Nadine signing the lease. They’d already talked to Roman and would add this last vital piece of information to the rest. A meeting had been planned at the end of the day in Bruno’s office. Mitch and Heidi were requested to meet with them and the police detective assigned to the case.

  Gratified to know Heidi would be there, Mitch finished the afternoon shift at the plant. His last one. He was conscious of the fact that tomorrow there wouldn’t be any more stolen bags of potato flour going out with the stolen bags of mix. A major shake-up in the Bauer family was about to occur.

  But it couldn’t be as big as the one happening to Mitch. Tonight after the meeting, he wouldn’t let her escape him.