Battle Back Home, The

I’ve spent most of my adult life overseas, on one mission or another, and now that my enlistment is up I’m returning to nothing: no wife, no kids, no dog, no purpose. Just a small storage unit filled with whatever my ex decided I could have when she left me.

Adjusting to civilian life isn’t easy and a job lands in my lap, thanks to an old Army buddy who extends an offer of employment with his successful, expanding security company. I also volunteer with a pit bull rescue, where I find an old acquaintance more than willing to keep me at an arm’s length.

I’m not big on fate, but something about Harlowe keeps drawing me in, pulling me closer when it’s clear I should be running in the other direction. She’s closed off, guarded and cautious, and it makes her perfect for the dogs who face life in much the same way.

I’ve seen some tough things, but for some reason I’ve made this woman my mission: the toughest one of my life. The problem is that I’m not sure she wants to be rescued; certainly not by me.