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

Ben opened the rifle case, put the rifle together, and set it aside for the moment. While he was doing that, Zach gave Ez and Hayley their pistols plus extra ammunition. While they hoped they wouldn’t need it, it paid to be prepared for anything, including a gun battle.


“I’ll be back,” Zach said softly, holding up the listening sensor. He put on his goggles and mask, turned out the light, and left the unit, lowering the door behind him.


“It’s the expectation that’s a killer,” Ez said under his breath as he turned the light on again and began to pace.


Ben had to agree. He preferred action, no matter how minor, to standing around waiting for the other shoe to drop.


“Anyone up for a game of gin?” Hayley whispered, her eyes glittering with amusement.


“I wish,” Ez muttered. “In the first place I doubt you’ve got cards with you.”


Ben half expected she’d say she did, but she shrugged, replying, “There is that.”


Chapter 17