Richard Carter, like most men and women thrust into the horrible crapshoot
of combat, has emerged both bloodied and bowed. He sees himself as a once-decent man who has done something unforgivable,
something for which atonement is impossible. Yet he still wants to make a difference and dreams of a career in the FBI---a
dream never to be realized.
Jill Belbenoit
is a young woman of modest means who has come to the land of her maternal grandfather to complete her education at Pere Marquette
University. Unwilling to give up her dream and disappoint the maiden aunt who raised her, she refuses to return to her
native Brittany when she finds herself in a threatening situation involving two men who seem to be fighting over her.
Should she believe Richard or fear him? Tough, intelligent, and usually very perceptive, she finds that the most frightening
thing of all is one's own uncertainty.
Mic Boyd:
compared to Richard he was the perfect soldier, smart, fearless, dedicated, and uncursed by second thoughts or self-doubt.
In Somalia he seemed totally comfortable with death, violence, and mayhem. In fact, he relished them. He comes
to Cartier and presumes a friendship that never was.
Marta Florez, a friend of Jill's from
Merida, Mexico. Because of their friendship she is drawn deeply into the craziness that evolves.
JR Reeves, a
friend and deputy sheriff with whom Richard worked the summer after he returned from the Marines.
Kevin Lucas,
a former squadmate of Richard's, his best friend and confessor.
Denise Abbott, a small town girl looking
for excitement. She quickly falls under Mic's spell and becomes his girlfriend.
