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

Walt joined them, telling the boys it was time for them to get ready for school. For a moment they looked as if they’d rebel, until Vance said King would be there when they got home. As soon as they were gone, Walt looked Vance over with the practiced eye of a bartender and friend, as he said, “It’s been a while.”


“Hey, I know you’re busy.” He pointed to the porch and they headed there. When they were seated, King lying at Vance’s feet, Walt said, “Do you want to talk?”


Staring down at his hands, Vance shook his head. “Not really.”


With a small smile Vance asked, “Do I have a choice?”


“A lot’s happened since I was here last.”


“Some of it pretty damned bad, from the look of you. You’ve got the same look on your face you did when you showed up here after your dad died, only worse.”


Chapter 127