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

Vance, looking ten years younger and much more flashily dressed than he had been an hour ago, walked through the front entrance of the Center. He was immediately stopped by security personnel asking to see his identification. With a roll of his eyes and a disdainful look at them he produced it.


“I’m sorry, Mr. Halo. I didn’t recognize you,” the guard said in an awe-struck tone, handing back the ID.


Of course you didn’t. Vance laughed to himself while saying aloud, “That’s all right, my good man. I am trying to be a bit less flamboyant considering the venue. And please call me Saz.”


“Yes sir, Saz. Do you need an escort to the dressing rooms?” The guard frowned when it apparently struck him that there were no groupies trailing behind Vance. “I’m surprised to see you unattended,” he said when Vance arched an eyebrow at the look on his face.


Chapter 65