Naked Came the Vampire (Hypernaturals 1)

Home: no Jessica

After five days of fruitless searching but fruitful programming, I returned home. My cats were pleased to see me, and I am happy to see them too, even if I am empty-handed.

I studied the maps and tried to figure out other places to look, and planned how I might see inside the noted enclosed boat sheds. I would need a waterproof flashlight and many more night swims. Diving under the shed doors, pop up, have a look at the boat in the shed, and if it is not 'Nightwing', dive back out again. That did not sound like fun. It did feel way too stalker-like. I kept telling myself there is a difference. Once I know where she is, I would ask once, nicely, and honor whatever Jessica says. I couldn't leave it to some random chance of coming across her again at the Hollow. I needed to know and I have zero ideas what her need is in that regard.

This is probably the same rationalization every stalker ever told themselves. The difference is I meant it. No means no.

Over the next few days, Danny and I worked out a few times. I was playing around with lower weights and lots of repetitions to see how many it would take to tire me out. Marathon weightlifting. For the first time, Danny noticed what I was doing. Normally he watches movies on a tablet computer as he works on the stair-stepper or treadmill, but I guess today's movie did not keep him engaged.

I was set up for 400 pounds and just finishing up another 40 reps. I am glad I did not put on the real weight I can bench now. This is probably overdoing it when other people are around. I felt a need to keep this weird 'upgrade' under wraps. I have no explanation for it, and I do not want to have anyone asking about it. If my mother knew? Shit...

"Dude..." Danny said in disbelief.

"Want to work in?" I gestured at the bench.

"Sure..." He sounded anything but sure. I guess he thought that I was pulling a joke on him.

"What are you benching right now?" I asked

"250 or so" he said, looking at my weights dubiously.

"Ok. Let me set that up" I started to pull off weights.

"Put those back on.." He said indignantly.

"Uhh... not a good idea I think" One does not move from 250 to 400 in one increment without damage.

"I just saw you do them, and last I knew I benched more than you." Danny made a gesture at my biceps. "Besides, look at your arms. You aren't even back to where you were before the hospital."

My arms are not as big as Danny's: That is true. He looked more like he should be the one lifting the weights that I am. I set the weights down and said: "Look, you know it isn't safe to bench more than you are physically able, even with a spotter."

Danny gave me a look like he is calling my bluff. "Put them back on there. I can tell by the way you were holding them that they are not real." He looked around the gym. No one else was there but us. "Practicing a joke? I don't get it. What are you up to?"

I sighed out loud. "Look: You put them back on if you think they are fake."

Danny looked a little bit puzzled, then came over and picked up a 100-pound disk.

Very, very slowly, with much effort.

The look on his face became incredulous. His picked up another disc, and slide it back on too. "Hmm" he said. He looked thoughtful, laid on the bench, and checked the arms that held the weight bar. Not seeing anything, he tried to push up on the bar. I suppressed the impulse to get into the spotter position. I realized with that much weight that bar is going nowhere.

He sat up, and pointed at the bench "Do it again"

I debated whether I should, but he saw me do it. I laid down, and lifted the bar off the hooks and did 5 reps, making a show of making it look harder than it is, then set it carefully back on the notches when done. Danny watched, dumbfounded.