Man Down

Man Down is an 81,000 word novel in the genre of contemporary fiction. It is a family drama with both romantic drama and thriller themes.

Firefighter Dominick Adler is a man on the brink. Haunted by the death of a little girl-a death he blames himself for-he suffers from nightmares, depression, and panic attacks. His deteriorating emotional state has ruined his marriage, driven away his friends and now threatens the career he loves.

Becky Adler is Dominick's estranged wife. Her husband's sullen isolation left her confused, hurt, and dreadfully lonely. Vulnerable and desperate, she allowed herself to be seduced by a married couple she thought were her friends. It was a mistake she regretted immediately, but little did she know it would ruin her life. Her erotic encounter was videoed without her knowledge, and when it was discovered on an online porn site, it destroyed her marriage and the life she loved. She is determined to win back her husband and seek revenge on those who destroyed her.

Dominick eventually discovers the video of his wife. Becky's betrayal sends the already fragile Dominick into a downward spiral. While on a call, he encounters the couple who destroyed his marriage. In a fit of rage, he attacks the man who seduced his wife. His loss of control may cost him his career. Worse, when Sylvester Roberts is found dead in a fire, it puts Dominick squarely in the crosshairs of a relentless detective determined to prove that Dominick murdered the man.  

Father Tom, the department's chaplain and councilor, is called upon to evaluate Dominick's fitness for duty after the attack on Roberts. His dedication and perseverance to his patient and longtime friend is critical in helping Dominick come to terms with his tragic past. Marco, Nick's closest friend, and Haley, a young waitress with a small crush on Dominick, help Nick process his feelings for his estranged wife. Together, they slowly help him find compassion for the woman he still loves.