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’d like to tell Durand to put you on indefinite leave. However, I know he’ll pull you in when he needs you whether I approve or not. I am going to make it clear to him, and to you, that stressing your knee at this point could retard its healing which is why you get the brace.”


“Understood,” Ben said. “Does it come with a dose or ten of painkillers?”


“It does, starting now.” The doctor gave him a shot, and then wrote a prescription for pills before leaving the room. He returned a few minutes later with the promised brace, showing Ben how to put it on and adjust it. “I have news about Hayley,” he told them when he finished. “She was a very lucky young woman. The bullet was and in-and-out, missing her ribs and any vital organs in the process; although it did tear the muscle and she lost quite a lot of blood. At this point she’s in recovery, receiving blood transfusions. As soon as her doctor deems her ready, she’ll be released into Ez’s care.”


Chapter 53