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

“One with major construction happening on two of the three highways coming out here,” a voice said from behind him.


Vance swung around to look at the man who had spoken. “So we’re stuck out here till who knows when. Damn it. I have a meeting in the city in an hour.”


The man smiled. “I know, Mr. Montgomery. I’m here to drive you there.”


When the man produced it, Vance studied it carefully, well aware of what to look for to be certain it was the real thing. Finally he handed it back. “All right, Mr. Fortier, get me out of here.”


As they entered a plush office, Urbain Fortier asked Vance to have a seat. “I’ll be back with you in a few minutes, once I’ve notified the Old Man that you’ve arrived.”


Vance nodded, settling on a long leather sofa. “I’m certain he already knows,” he replied with a tight smile.


“Of course, but I do have to keep up the pretense that I’m useful for something other than cab service, just for appearances sake.”


Chapter 21