Ben Mercer is an ex-cop, lamed, framed, and thrown off the force for a crime his partner committed. Now homeless, he has no expectations for a better life until he's recruited by Durand, head of Vanguard Security, to join a team that deals with problems the police can't or won't touch. All Ben needs is the approval of the team leader, Zach Turner.<br><br>To get it, Ben has to prove to Zach that he still retains his skills as a sniper, and that he can handle any job thrown at him, despite the still painful damage to his knee. He does, and is immediately pulled into a job with the team, rescuing a kidnap victim.<br><br>Ben had one big secret, or did have until Durand drew it out of him. Before his life was drastically changed he had denied, even to himself, that he was gay. Now that he's accepted it, and learned that Zach is as well, can the two men forge a bond beyond that of being teammates and friends? It will take several more jobs before Ben gets his answer.

A Second Chance

With that thought, he knew what his answer would be. He would accept Durand’s offer. After all, what have I got to lose, other than my ‘wonderful’ life on the streets?


Ben called Durand the following morning, but not until after he’d luxuriated in a hot bath until the water turned cold. He’d showered before going to bed, which was also a luxury, but being able to soak in the tub had made him feel…human, he supposed. That and a breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausage worked wonders for his self-confidence, so when Durand answered the call Ben was able to say without hesitation, “I’m in.”


“Excellent,” Durand replied. “I’ll have Ray pick you up in, say, twenty minutes?”


Chapter 6