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

Con dropped his arm from Giuliana’s waist so that he could draw Urbain to him. “The only person I’m having an affair with is this wonderful man,” he told the others, “and I think we’re well beyond ‘affair’ and into a true partnership.” He ended his statement by kissing Urbain deeply before saying, “Now, shall we see what treats we have for breakfast?”


Vance groaned and sat up, rubbing his forehead. It was all an act but one which was necessary considering he’d spent the last three hours sleeping in a slightly smelly but reasonably clean bed at the Mission.


One of the other inhabitants of the long dormitory-style room looked at him in commiseration. “Hung over? You sure staggered in here like you had your fair share.”


“More than. I need some hair of the dog now to survive.” Vance stood and straightened his clothes as best as possible, checking his pockets to make certain he still had the few dollars he’d brought with him.


Chapter 56