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

“Tomorrow morning you’ll be meeting with several people whose files I’ll give you. Pick any or all of them, your choice. They’ll make up your team.”


“Shit, and here I thought I’d talk you, and the Old Man, out of doing this.”


Fortier laughed. “When he makes up his mind there’s no arguing with him.” Turning serious he said. “I will warn you here and now that this is a test. Fail and you’re out, lock, stock, and barrel.”


“That I’ll leave you to ponder to your heart’s content.” Fortier stood, holding out his hand. “It was good to meet you, Mr. Montgomery.”


Vance looked at his hand. “Obviously you don’t know everything about me,” he said, giving it a quick shake before pulling away.


“Oh, I knew. I just wanted to see if you’d break precedence and actually do it right because I’m your immediate boss.”


“Mr. Fortier, I wouldn’t care if you were God, I don’t do personal touching, even handshakes, unless I’m forced to be civil.”


Chapter 22