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

“Which is why Robin’s arranging for a limo to pick us up,” Giuliana said.


Twenty minutes later, they were all in the Con and Bain’s hotel room, with the exception of Roger and Rico, who Con told them were escorting Jacalyn to New Orleans.


“She’ll probably be spitting fire the whole way,” Robin said, chuckling.


“Undoubtedly,” Con agreed before suggesting it was time for everyone to get some well-earned sleep. “You’re welcome to use the third bedroom,” he told Van.


“You don’t have to ask twice,” Vance replied. “Wake me in a week.”


They didn’t have to wait a week before waking Vance. In point of fact, when the others wandered into the suite’s living room late the following morning they found Con, was already there, eating breakfast. He gestured to the table which held a variety of covered dishes, telling them to help themselves. While they did, he said, “Van’s already left.”


Chapter 73