Horribly abused by his mother, Van eventually goes in search of his father. When he finds him, his life is radically changed. His father works for the FBI, and has contacts to a covert group, run by the Old Man, that goes after the worst of the worst criminals. Van is recruited to join both -- and does. Van handles every job he's sent on with cold efficiency, letting nothing stand in his way of gaining the information he seeks and stopping his foes. Eventually, he's offered a team of his own within the Old Man's organization. He accepts, with one caveat -- none of them can be female. Because of his mother, the only woman he has ever trusted is his handler, Makie. His attitude takes a hit when he meets Ginna, a cop, while on a job for the Old Man. When it's over, much to the shock of everyone involved, he requests that she be added to his team if she's willing -- which she is, as long as the organization can promise to keep her young son safe while she's on assignments. Ginna fits in well with the team, and though she is appalled at some of the tactics Van uses to gain information, she finds herself attracted to him. Can she break through the walls he's erected around his emotions? If so, then what? Only time will tell.

A Shattered Life

“These are to show you what’s available,” the man standing behind him said. “I got you all you need right here and can give you legit sales receipts for them. All you have to do is arrange to get the goods to a place we’ll designate at the border. We’ll make the exchange there. Did you bring a sample with you?”


Vance nodded. “Two, they’re in my bag.” He stood, crossing the room to where he’d left it, removing two of several well-used books. As the man watched he opened one. It was fake, hollowed out in the center. Taking out the small package it contained, Vance carefully sliced through the thick covering and then handed the man a plastic baggie.


The man turned to hand it to Abbot. “Test it,” he ordered. With a sharp nod, Abbot left, returning a few minutes later to say is was high quality.


Chapter 7