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

“I’ll admit,” Zach said as they got in, “I didn’t expect you to go along with that.”


Ben shrugged. “I saw the look he gave us. I’ve also done some undercover work, so I know how to fake it when necessary.”


“That’s good to know,” Zach replied. “It’s sometimes necessary when we’re going after someone.”


“I sort of figured.” Ben went silent at that point, staring bleakly out the window as they drove toward the range.


After a few minutes, Zach asked, “Did it bring back bad memories?”


“Not really. More like I miss that life. Not only the undercover work, but the whole thing. Taking down the bastards who needed it.”


“Now you’ll have the chance to do it again,” Zach pointed out.


“We’ll see. It’s been a while. I can tell myself I haven’t lost my edge, but my knee says differently.”


“How much does it affect your movements?”


“Like I told Ray,” Ben replied, “I can run when necessary. It’s painful, but I can. Climbing…” He waggled his hand.


Chapter 9