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

“Move it, damn it,” Vance growled. When King remained where he was, Vance tried to get around him. King stood, effectively blocking that maneuver. “Damn it, dog.” Vance sighed. “Look, tell you what, I’ll walk you down the path to the street and back again if you move. That’s it.”


Whether he understood the words or just the intent, King moved, going to sit patiently by the front door. Vance started toward him, realized what he was wearing, or not wearing, and slowly went upstairs, holding on to the banister to keep from stumbling. It took all his concentration to find a shirt, and then his sandals, but finally he was dressed enough to be presentable.


The minute he made it downstairs, King woofed softly as if to remind him what he was supposed to do now. With a nod, Vance joined him, attaching the leash to his collar, then disarmed the security system and unlocked the door.


Chapter 119