To Protect

Atlas De Vaus loves his job as a Carlisle K9 officer. When his canine partner Evie senses a problem during a semitrailer traffic stop, a search of the truck reveals illegal immigrants being transported to New York. Local shelters can house the women while the case is processed, but they can't accommodate the lone man. Unwilling to leave a vulnerable person alone at the mercy of the system, Atlas takes him in until a place can be found for him.

When Bijan Darya's family and village discovered his secret, his only option was to leave Iraq. He's used every cent he had to reach America, but he's determined to get where he's going, no matter how scared he is. He appreciates Atlas offering him a place to stay, but he's forgotten how to trust anyone, much less a figure of authority like Atlas.

Slowly, Atlas-and Evie, mostly Evie-begin to win him over, leaving Bijan even more confused by his developing feelings for Atlas. They circle each other, each reluctant to make the first move. Just when they might be on the same track and close to catching the traffickers, government red tape threatens to separate them forever.