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

As Vance undressed and put on the sweats Walt had loaned him, he said softly, “He’s a good kid, Ginna. You did well. I wish…” He sighed deeply, the ache in his heart still overwhelming. “I miss you, but we’re going to make it now, Theo and I together. I love you, my Ginna.”


“No school?” Vance asked as he and Theo came into the living room, Theo clinging tightly to his hand.


WJ rolled his eyes. “It’s Saturday, Uncle Van.”


“It is? Whoa. Okay. So, guys, this is Theo.” He gave a small tug to bring Theo forward. “Theo, these two are Scott and WJ.”


“Hi,” Scott replied. “You’re going to stay here with us?”


Theo’s face brightened a bit. “Umm hmm.”


“Then come on. Mom made tons of them.”


Theo looked up at Vance, and when he nodded, Theo let go of his hand to follow Scott into the kitchen with WJ right behind them.


An hour later, the three boys were out in the backyard, playing while King kept an eye on them.


Chapter 133