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

“I wanted to be with Theo. It’s been almost a week.” She smiled when Theo suddenly dashed back to grab her hand.


“Understandable.” Vance strode off ahead of them, calling over his shoulder, “I’ll get his stuff packed up for you.”


“Why you sad, Mommy,” Theo asked her.


Picking him up, she said, “Because I’m taking you home with me. He’s going to miss you.”


“He could live with us. Then he won’t miss me.”


“It doesn’t work that way, sweetie.”


“No. But I’ll promise him you’ll come visit sometimes. It might make him feel better.”


“Goody.” Theo squirmed until she put him down, and then he dashed off, shouting, “Van, Mommy say…said I could visit. Any time I want.”


“Did she now?” Van stepped into view at the back door. When Theo nodded hard, Vance looked at Ginna for confirmation. She nodded as well and he smiled. “Good deal, Theo. But for now…”


Chapter 99