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 heard her and took her hand. “Keep the faith, to use another clichéd expression. As soon as we’re finished we’ll go back to the room and decide what to do next.”


She gave him a wan smile, then pulled her hand free so that the waiter could put down their plates. They didn’t talk much as they ate, other than Ben reminding her occasionally that she should smile. “We’re lovers enjoying dinner together, not two people heading off to a funeral.”


“You could have chosen a better metaphor,” she replied, smiling as he’d asked her to.


“Sorry. Umm, going to an execution? No, that’s just as bad. Going to the dentist? To the closest dumpster so scrounge for our meals?”


“It’s not that bad if you’re starving, or so I’ve been told.”


She made a moue of disgust, saying, “I’d ratherstarve,” and went back to eating.


Chapter 40