OPERATION: PROTECT FAMILY A scared widow and her defenseless son have former marine Thad Pearson on red-alert. Someone is systematically wrecking Lindy Southerland's life. First her house. Then her bank account. And unless the thug gets what he wants, her child will be targeted next. The woman jumps at every shadow, but refuses to go to the police. Why? With Thad's every protective instinct in overdrive, he guards Lindy and her son like they're his own family. But keeping his scarred heart safe proves his toughest assignment yet. And leads him straight into a mastermind's deadly trap. The Defenders: Protecting children in need.