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 think…yeah, when the time is right. If you want me to.”


“I’ll have to think about it.” Ben paused before saying, “At least I’d have a good teacher, I suspect.”


Laughing, Zach replied, “I’m no expert.”


“No, but you’re a friend, which counts for more when you come down to it.”


“It does, and I am,” Zach said softly as he turned out the light and left, closing the door behind him. I hope I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew, presuming he wants to take a chance. I suppose time will tell.8


The late the following morning the team convened in Durand’s office to tell him what had happened in the process of bringing down the hijackers. When they finished, Durand quizzed them on the details until he was satisfied that they had done everything ‘by the book.’


Chapter 33