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

“Well, you’re going to get the chance to. There’s a job that needs all of you, you included. They want you there. Don’t look so shocked. I’ve talked to them even if you haven’t. Each of them is a good man who knows his job and does it to the best of his ability but you, you’re something special. You give them their edge. Those are Frankie’s words by the way, not mine.”


Vance remained silent for a long while then said with a small smile, “I thought you just kicked me out of the organization.”


“So I lied. I had to make you listen and think, Van. You’re one of the most stubborn men I know when you set your mind to something, whether it’s right or wrong. I know that’s not going to change but this time please, please believe that I do know what I’m talking about and take it to heart. For all our sakes.”


“I’ll try,” he said quietly, looking inward for a moment. Then he asked, “So what’s this job you have for us?”


Chapter 33