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

“Seems to me I saw some in there, if you’re really desperate,” Zach replied straight-faced as he set the tray down on one of the tables and then poured coffee for those who wanted it.


“Naw, I’ll pass,” she said, taking one of the sandwiches.


As they ate, Ben wondered if it would always be like this when he was sent off on a job. Maybe, when it’s all of us, and time is a factor. Otherwise, if it’s me and maybe one of the others, we probably take commercial flights, or drive. Not that he had a problem with that. He definitely hadn’t expected such luxury the first time out. But then, I didn’t expect to be thrown into a job so quickly, either. I hope to hell I can hold up my end.


“Worried,” Ez asked, looking at Ben in question.


“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. I don’t want to screw up.”


“You’ll be fine,” Zach assured him. “As soon as we know what we’re dealing with we’ll decide what each of us needs to do to rescue him and, with luck, deal with his kidnappers.”


Chapter 12