bcf5c18f-f4b7-5ac6-933f-c910fe56b097">
Lawman with a Secret
Hiding his true identity is the only way for US Marshal Jesse Cole to bring bank robbers to justice. But the lovely widow whose Wyoming ranch he stumbles onto reminds him of everything he’s sacrificed for the law. When his job is done, he’s resolved to leave Lenora Pritchard behind—until she and her son are threatened. Now the only way to protect them is to make her his wife.
To conceal her late husband’s guilt, Lenora hid his stolen haul. And with a ruthless gang leader determined to retrieve it, she needs Cole’s protection for herself and her son. It’s a marriage in name only, founded on dangerous secrets...but could it possibly lead to a true and loving family?
“So what makes you restless, Cole?”
He opened his mouth to deny the claim, then gritted his teeth.
“You once said you were looking to settle down, but you haven’t yet. And send for your mother, but you haven’t. And now you’re dragging a pregnant mare across country—looking for the perfect spot?” She shook her head. “There is no such place.”
Her perception stunned him. Just seven months ago, his ma had asked him how many criminals he needed to put behind bars before he was satisfied. Twenty? Fifty? A hundred?
Just one more. That had been his justification. But after arresting one outlaw, Cole would hear of another that needed to be stopped. And another.
With parted lips, she watched him. For the first time in his life, someone out-silenced him.
“Way past my bedtime.” He was off the porch and halfway to the barn before he realized he hadn’t said good-night.
However, it was the wisest thing to do. If he turned around and went back, he’d tell her things best kept secret. For now anyway.
I hope you enjoyed reading The Marshal’s Mission as much as I enjoyed writing it. I based this story on my great-grandfather’s life—he was an undercover US Marshal. Then I found out that though he had been married to my great-grandmother, he wasn’t directly related to me. What a woman—she outlived five husbands!
The West has always fascinated me. It was a pleasure to research the lives of the tough men and women who shaped our country.
I’d love to hear from you. Write to me at [email protected] or PO Box 1642, West Jordan, UT 84088. Please visit my website at annazogg.com.
Anna
ANNA ZOGG has long been fascinated by the West—ranch life, horses and the tough men and women who tamed it. Ever drawn to her Native American roots, she and her husband, John, reside in the heart of the West. Visit annazogg.com to learn more about her love of music, her eclectic taste in fiction and some very special children.
The Marshal’s Mission
Anna Zogg
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
—Psalms 4:8
To my dear friend and sister in the Lord, Marilynn Rockelman. Without you, this story might never have been told.
Contents