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

“Exactly. If I were to make a bet, they’d feel the same about wasting manpower that way. It would be easier to watch the center, see what was being loaded on a truck, and move on it if it’s full of electronics,” Zach said.


“Their schedule is interesting,” Ben said. “Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between eleven P.M. and one A.M. It makes me wonder if that’s the only time all the hijackers are available.”


“Something to consider,” Zach replied. “The first thing we need to do is recon the distribution center to see if there is someplace where they could watch the trucks being loaded without anyone being aware that’s what they’re doing.”


“Why just Allan’s and Grant’s trucks?” Hayley wondered.


“Disgruntled ex-employee, luck of the draw, they have less security, any or all of the above?” Ez replied.


Chapter 25