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

The three men looked at each other, frowns on their faces, and then Troy and Stuart went to do as Vance had asked.


When Troy returned with the terrified young woman, Frankie was pacing the waiting room. After telling the woman to sit, which she promptly did, her body shaking from her need for a fix, Troy took Frankie aside asking quietly, “Anything?”


“Not a peep.” He was about to say more when his cell vibrated. He read the text message and told Troy that Stuart was waiting just outside the office’s windows.


“I already do,” Vance said from the doorway. He smiled at the young woman, receiving a shaky one back from her. “We have to go through the office to get out of here,” he told her. “I suggest you keep your eyes closed and let Troy lead you, or carry you,” he added, taking in her condition.


Chapter 31