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

“Sorry, but I have to talk to him. Why don’t you and Scott go help your mom with lunch?”


The boys took one look at him and raced into the house. Vance carried the now squirming Theo over to one of the chairs on the lawn and sat with him in his lap.


Then he told him, “Rog, Rico, and I are leaving for a while.”


“Oh.” Fear etched Theo’s face and he shook his head.


“I have to,” Vance said quietly. “It’ll only be for a week at most.”


Theo continued shaking his head. “That’s what Mommy said,” he whispered.


Vance’s heart clutched. He wrapped Theo tightly in his arms. “I know, I know. And she didn’t come home again, but Theo—” he lifted his face, looking into his eyes “—she’s still here in our hearts.”


“But I don’t want youin my heart. I want you here,” Theo stated, his eyes now tearing up.


“I amcoming back. This is just something we have to do, for your mom.”


Chapter 135