Indirect Object or Prepositioal Phrase?

[Soup]

I have deducted from your comments that an indirect object can, indeed, appear without a stated direct object. However, the direct object must be implied. This goes contrary to the numerous books have consulted, but it does make sense.

I'm curious, what do those books say?

[gjo123]

To Soup:

You wanted to know what the books I consulted stated in relationship to one of the questions I originally asked about regarding the sentence, "Whom did the settlers call for protection from outlaws?

Every book I consulted stated that there can be no indirect object in a sentence unless there is a direct object.

This has been a fun exchange. Thanks.