Granted, he hadn't known her long, but returning war hero Jude Walker expected to eventually marry the woman he'd met during his last leave. Not fi nd her missing. Or learn that her last known address was a homeless shelter in a dangerous part of the city.

The shelter's temporary director, Sarah Montgomery, didn't know Jude's friend. But she knew the streets, knew the dangers-from drugs and prostitution to the most cold-blooded of criminals-right outside her door. Knew that the handsome, brave captain was in for heartache. And that falling in love with him was her riskiest move yet.