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

“Undoubtedly.” Durand stood, signaling the end of the meeting. “Report back to me when you’ve come to a decision, Zach.”


“You’re not happy about doing this,” Ben stated as they left the building, heading to the same lot where Ray had parked.


“If you mean taking you shopping, not really,” Zach replied. “I get you don’t have any money, but this could have waited until you got paid.”


“Apparently Durand doesn’t agree.” They were at Zach’s car, which was a black jeep that Ben figured had to be at least ten years older than either he or Zach. Although it was mud-spattered at the moment, it was obvious that Zach took good care of it. “Soft top?” he asked as they got in, keeping his bad leg as straight as possible once he was seated


“No duh,” Zach muttered, turning the key in the ignition and then putting it in gear. “Do you have a preference on stores?”


Chapter 8