The United States Marshals Service

      Formed in 1789 by President George Washington, the United States Marshals Service is the oldest federal law enforcement agency—and in my mind, one of the most mysterious. They used to carry out death sentences, catch counterfeiters—even take the national census. According to their Web site, “At virtually every significant point over the years where Constitutional principles or the force of law have been challenged, the marshals were there—and they prevailed.” Now the agency primarily focuses on fugitive investigation, prisoner/alien transportation, prisoner management, court security and witness security.

      No big mystery there, you say? When I started this series, I didn’t think so, either. Intending to nail the details, I marched down to my local marshals’ office for an afternoon that will stay with me forever.

      After learning the agency’s history and being briefed on day-to-day operations, I was taken on a tour. I saw an impressive courtroom and a prisoner holding cell. Then we went to the garage to see vehicles and bulletproof vests and guns. Sure, I’m an author, but I’m primarily a mom and wife. I bake cookies and find hubby’s always-lost belt. Nothing made the U.S. Marshals Service spring to life for me more than seeing those weapons. And then I realized my tour guide wasn’t fictional. He uses these guns, puts his very life on the line protecting me and my family and the rest of this city, county and state. I had chills.

      Things really got interesting when I started digging for information on the Witness Security Program. Deputy Marshal Rick ever so politely sidestepped my every question. I found out nothing! Not where the base of operations is located, not which marshals are assigned to the program, what size crews are used, how their shifts are rotated—nothing! After a while it got to be a game. One it was obvious I’d lose!

      Honestly, all this mystery probably makes for better fiction. I don’t want to know what really happens. It’s probably not half as romantic as the images of these great protectors I’ve conjured in my mind. Oh, and another bonus to my tour—Deputy Marshal Rick was Mills & Boon American Romance–hero hot!

      Laura Altom

      Dear Reader,

      This book was especially fun to write, as it’s all about crushes. Charity’s angst over whether or not Adam likes her as more than just a friend brought back fun—sometimes painful—memories of the crushes I’ve had.

      My first crush was tall, blond Michael. For months I chatted and flirted with him, and when Valentine’s Day came, I was super excited about the prospect of him maybe buying me one of the student council’s fund-raising carnations. And can you believe it—it snowed and school was closed!

      I was at my best friend Kristen’s, shoveling her driveway, lamenting about how I’d never know if Michael liked me, when he and his dad pulled up in a car. Instead of one of the student council’s stinky old carnations, I got a pretty crystal vase with three roses. How sad is it I don’t remember what color? Anyway, a few days later, when Michael asked me to Go With Him (going-steady lingo then) I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. Charity feels the same way with Adam. Sadly, like my torrid, ninth-grade affair, Charity’s contented glow lessens when she finally takes off her rose-colored glasses.

      I didn’t end up marrying my first big crush. As for Charity ending up with Adam…you’ll have to read the book and see!

      Laura Marie Altom

      P.S. You can reach me through my Web site at www.lauramariealtom.com or write to me at P.O. Box 2074, Tulsa, OK 74101.

      To Catch a Husband

      Laura Marie Altom