One idea could be that Virgil is kidnapped by an old enemy of the Tracy family who wants to use him as bait to get to International Rescue's secrets. Another could be that he's abducted by a group who mistake him for someone else with valuable knowledge. Maybe a mad scientist kidnaps him to force him to help with a dangerous experiment.
The motive could be ransom. The kidnappers might know that the Tracy family is wealthy and figure they can get a large sum of money for Virgil's safe return.
Maybe Virgil's injury affects his ability to perform his normal duties in future missions. This could lead to some self - doubt and a struggle to regain his confidence. The other characters would then have to support him both physically and emotionally, like Scott giving him pep talks and helping with his physical therapy.
His family would be extremely worried. Scott, as the eldest, would likely take charge immediately. He'd be focused on getting Virgil the best medical care possible and coordinating with the rest of the team to ensure his safety.
The order of Virgil Flowers novels can be a bit complex as there are multiple books in the series. Some of the earlier ones include 'Dark of the Moon' and 'Heat Lightning'. However, it's best to check the official website or a reliable book database for the most accurate and comprehensive order.
As of July 2023, 'Lightning Strike' is one of the relatively recent Virgil Flowers novels. It's full of the usual mystery and engaging plotlines that John Sandford is known for in his Virgil Flowers series.