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

“It’s a stationary bike. You can start by pedaling so the wheel goes part way around and then let it come back, at least according to what I read online.”


“You researched this?” Ben wasn’t sure if he was impressed—because it meant Zach cared, even though it only had to do with his ability to do whatever was required of him on the job—or pissed off because Zach hadn’t asked for his input. “What elseam I supposed to use?” he asked tensely, which answered the question about his mood. I am pissed, and I shouldn’t be.


If Zach picked up on it, he ignored it. “That.” He pointed to leg press machine.


“If it was six months ago, as part of a physical therapy regime, probably, but it’s not. You want to strengthen the muscles and try to get more range of motion without it killing you.”


“Maybe I should climb ladders,” Ben grumbled.


Zach grinned. “Next week. Stop being a grouch. You don’t have to do this. It was just an idea.”


Chapter 23