THE PROTECTORS: Though they work independently and at times are oceans apart, their ties to each other remain strong. They're related by blood or bond - this group of men and women in law enforcement, government intelligence, and the military who do what others cannot to serve, defend, and protect. GUILTY: THE PROTECTORS SERIES - BOOK FIVE. The brutal murder of a school teacher appears to be an open and shut case. Despite the overwhelming evidence against homeless drifter James Gaines, public defender Faith Winston makes sure she is assigned to defend him. But Faith has an agenda of her own-even if it means a guilty man will go free. Chief of Police Ryan Crosby ended his relationship with Faith in a breakup that shattered them both, but he has not stopped loving her. When Faith's representation of Gaines makes her a target for revenge, Ryan reenters her life to protect her. He finds himself in a battle to find her assailant, and in a battle with Faith herself who will not trust him again with her heart. But when Gaines escapes from custody, Faith is abducted and Ryan is in a race against time to find her. One woman is already dead and Faith is next.