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

Their bartender seemed oblivious to that as he came over when he had a free moment. “You gentlemen new in town or just to this place?” he asked, leaning against the bar.


“Basta maschi vecchi, fresco di Sicilia,” Vance replied.


“O di giovani sulla caccia?” the bartender said softly, completing the identifier phrase. “I heard someone was coming to town.” He kept his voice so low Vance had to strain to hear him over the noise of the club.


“Good. We’ll stay out of your hair if you stay out of ours. We just wanted to let you know that we’re here.” Vance’s voice was soft until he held up his empty glass, saying loudly, “Another please, and one for my friend as well. This time with less water…per favore.” He growled out the last, adding, “Uomo stupido non può fare una bevanda decente,” as an aside to Frankie.


“What are you doing?” Frankie asked.


Chapter 89