BlackMoonRising Read online

  Steve jumped to the highest level of the building, a tarred flat roof. He immediately loved the view from the top. The lights of downtown Chicago’s tallest buildings glowed brightly against the dark sky. What a beautiful sight. Too bad he couldn’t sit still long enough to enjoy it. He felt the need to get to the ground quickly and dig a hole.

  After getting home, Steve tried to rest, but it was one of those nights where sleep never came. It started with the dad dream. His father lying on the sidewalk, guts spilling to the ground after an attack of claws left him helpless. He stood there as a boy, watching a horrific scene, a scene that no one should ever have to watch.

  Kneeling by his dying father, all he could do was look into his eyes. A hand took his. The shaky voice murmured, “I’m sorry. Remember that I’ll always love you.” As Steve watched the boy, he and the boy became one. The screams were his own as he woke up choking and trying to catch his breath.

  Later on that night, he dreamed about the ex-lover. That lover had fallen for Steve too. He was sure of it. Steve could tell by the gentle kisses and soft caresses as they met up again after being apart. Their time together was passionate, tender and all-encompassing. Each sexual encounter seemed more important than the last. Neither preferred to be a bottom or top and that was fine by Steve. Being inside that man was heaven and Steve thought they had connected on a level even deeper than their fucking.

  But the lover refused to share details. Wanted things to stay anonymous, even though Steve knew they were close to having a breakthrough in their relationship.

  Unfortunately, he never found out. One day his lover didn’t come back for a scheduled hook-up. Steve searched for him to no avail, wondering if there was something he’d said or done that last night. He’d used all the tricks at this disposal to find him. The tears poured down Steve’s face in his dream and now in real life as he woke up.

  It was either the nightmare about his father dying or the dream of his lost love. Sometimes both in the same night like tonight. It seemed he tossed and turned and never slept well whether he had the dreams or not.

  Chapter Two

  Herman bounded down the five flights of stairs and out the front door to the street. It was an easy start to his cardiovascular workout with those steep stairs—no elevators in old apartment buildings like this one. He stood on the wood porch and took a couple of deep breaths as he glanced down the deserted residential street. Barely any parked cars or people out. A workday for most.

  Even with a warrant out for his arrest, he refused to turn himself in to the police. He knew he was taking a huge chance leaving the apartment but it was in his character to take chances. As a firefighter, he faced danger and took risks every day. His job was all about self-sacrifice and putting his life on the line.

  That’s what he was still doing. He was determined to figure a way out of this horrible situation and catch the real killer. He lived by the mantra that a firefighter never gave up until there wasn’t any hope left.

  And Herman still had hope.

  His dad was gone and that couldn’t be changed. Thinking about it put a lump in his throat. They had finally been on good terms and then the unthinkable had happened.

  He ran his hand over the top of his head as he hopped down the wooden steps to the sidewalk. After Amelia had gotten home, she’d insisted on cutting his hair short to help with his disguise. It felt strange to have it this way. Growing a beard was something he hadn’t done in years either but he had to do what was necessary. It now had seven days’ growth and he no longer looked like himself.

  Seven days since this madness started. He shuddered as a chill permeated his body. Was it from the cool afternoon breeze of this sunny February day or from his predicament? He pulled the zipper on his jacket higher as he started to run.

  It didn’t take long to get to the private men’s gym and bathhouse, which was only about a half-mile away from Mike and Amelia’s apartment. This place was one of Herman’s old haunts during the days when he was estranged from his father. It was familiar, brought back warm memories, and was what he needed today. Didn’t look like it had changed much. A nondescript brown building with half-moon windows at the top for natural light and located on a quiet corner.

  Herman hadn’t been here in years. Not since he had fallen in love with a man whom he had unceremoniously dumped. It had always troubled him, as that lover definitely didn’t deserve to be treated that way.

  What had happened was his dad had suddenly wanted him back in his life. He asked for forgiveness after admitting he had missed out on years with his son because he couldn’t accept that Herman was gay. He didn’t want the remaining period of his life to be without him.

  Herman had valued their time together, even though much of it involved doctor visits and hospitalizations that never seemed to end. His dad’s wife, Barbara, wasn’t much help, as she always had some kind of excuse once Herman was back in the picture. Between the time spent with his father and the rest of his life devoted to a crazy work schedule, it wasn’t long until those omitted gym days sadly turned into weeks, which turned into embarrassment and sadness at not considering someone else’s feelings. He hadn’t meant it to happen, but time slipped away.

  He let out a breath as he thought about those happy few months with his lover before he stopped going to the gym. Their hook-ups were exclusive but anonymous. The man always greeted Herman with a warm smile, excited to see him at each tryst. Each time they made love, they became closer. Whether it was a hand that stayed longer than it needed to on a thigh or an extra kiss on the earlobe, they’d seemed so connected after sex. Sometimes they massaged each other or held hands and talked about items as mundane as the weather and it was enjoyable.

  It wasn’t just a sex hook-up. They were comfortable together. Their time alone was a respite from the outside world and Herman thought something more was happening. He had wanted to tell the man his name and was close to it a couple of times but he was scared. Not afraid of the man, but anxious at admitting out loud that he was a gay man in love. His dad gave him a reason to run away, and he did.

  Wouldn’t it have been great to go out in public as a couple? It was easily done in this neighborhood. Gay men were everywhere, holding hands, kissing, living. Freedom was here if it was desired and he had missed out. His own fault.

  The walls of this gym held Herman’s emotions as tightly as his lover’s arms. Herman felt guilt, remorse and the feeling that he had lost his one chance for everlasting happiness. There might have been a happily ever after but he would never know. If his father hadn’t reached out to mend their torn relationship, Herman’s gym liaison might have turned out differently, but he could have missed out on the relationship with his father. Forcing the pain out of his mind, he entered the building.

  The gym offered a daily rate of ten dollars and all you had to do was fill out a fake name, address and gym release form.

  Herman filled out the forms and smiled at the heavily tattooed man behind the counter. “Thanks. Haven’t been here in a while. Still two bucks for a towel?”

  “Three,” said the man as he handed one to Herman.

  Herman pulled the cash from his jacket. A small sign on the wall stated that the gym was clean, safe and discreet. Just the way a Boystown gym should be. As he glanced around, he noticed the place had had a facelift since he had been there last. It now had a massive array of cardio and strength equipment in the fitness room. Impressive.

  He jumped on the treadmill. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a handsome blond man enter the gym. He had an impressive-looking physique in baggy shorts and a tank top. Shoulders as broad as a barn door and full of muscle. Was it his imagination, or was the hunk looking at Herman in the mirrored wall?

  If he hadn’t been on the run from the law, he might have been interested. It had been too long since he had dated, much less had sex. But it could be too dangerous, even having anonymous sex like he used to love to do at this club. He frowned. It was definitely too dangero
us. He tried to put the thoughts out of his mind.

  There were more important things he needed to concentrate on. Such as what was he going to do with his life going forward as a fugitive? He wasn’t even sure how to find the real killer. He needed help but he didn’t know where to turn. Who could possibly help him? He looked up at the television and watched the local news to take his mind off his problems. Hopefully he wouldn’t be on it.

  “Hey there,” a voice called out.

  Herman looked down from the treadmill as he continued to run. It was the cute blond guy he had been admiring earlier. “Hi.”

  “Sorry to bother you.” The man continued to do biceps curls. “Do you happen to know if there’s a place for a Caesar salad around here? One where I can get a nice piece of grilled salmon on top.”

  He slowed down the treadmill, breathing heavily as he talked. “There used to be a place around the corner to the left. It’s a bar but has decent food. Don’t know if it’s still there. I haven’t been to this gym in a while.”

  “Okay, thanks. I’ll check it out. Been craving salmon for days.” The man grinned. “That sounded ridiculous. I really don’t crave salmon.”

  Herman smiled back. Hazel eyes, short blond hair. When he laughed those hazel eyes turned up at the corners. Why did they look familiar? “Hey, sometimes I crave salmon if I happen to be eating fish that week.”

  “Ha ha. Me too. Seems I go from pescetarian to vegetarian to vegan and back again.” The man laughed again. “Sometimes all in the same week. By the way, I’m Gerry.”

  “Nice to meet you, Gerry. I don’t mean to sound unfriendly but I don’t give out my name.”

  “Okay by me.” Gerry shrugged and walked back to the mirror.

  Herman watched as he lifted weights. That man knew where he wanted to go with his circuit training. It was funny, but he felt like Gerry kept looking at him out of the corner of his eye. They were both strong, fit men. Definitely a turn-on for Herman to hear the groans of working hard and see the exhilaration in someone’s eyes brought on by the natural high of an endorphin release. He liked them handsome and he liked them strong.

  He couldn’t help but stare at Gerry, with his muscular body, strong jaw and a handsome face with a five o’clock shadow that suited him. A slightly crooked nose, which might have been broken in the past, showed Herman that Steve was probably a tough guy and also made him look even more rugged and sexy. He admired the broad shoulders that dipped down to a small waist. Lean hips and muscular legs. Gerry was a few inches shorter than Herman’s six-foot-two frame.

  Herman smiled, something he hadn’t done in days. Finally something to take his mind off his troubles. He was experiencing the pleasure of just looking at a male. It had been too long since lust had taken over his body. With everything he’d been through over the last week, damn if he didn’t deserve it.

  His cock pushed hard against his briefs and he felt his own endorphin release. His sweat increased, along with his heart rate. Whether it was from his treadmill run or the hot man in front of him he wasn’t sure. What he was sure of was that he could drop his pants to have his dick sucked or bend himself over the sloped preacher’s curl bench and be taken from behind. Wouldn’t it be great to have a finger slip into his ass to stretch him and follow it up with a thick shaft? He couldn’t help but grin. The brain was as powerful a tool as a stiff cock.

  Herman wanted to tell the man behind the front desk to turn the ceiling fans on high and prop the front door open for some cool air. Gerry was making Herman sweat.

  He wasn’t sure what to do next. Gerry seemed friendly and accepted that Herman didn’t give out his name. Anonymous sex. He used to like it. Liked it until he fell for Steve. There. He finally said the name of his old lover. Couldn’t say the last name because he never knew it. Here he was thinking about Steve again and he hadn’t even been at the gym an hour.

  Herman frowned. Gerry looked a little like Steve. No. Maybe not. Steve wasn’t as strong as Gerry, and Steve had brown shoulder-length hair. At least he did all those years ago. But one thing was for sure—Steve would never be a vegetarian. He’d always told Herman his favorite meal was a filet mignon and a baked potato with two pats of butter, not one.

  Herman turned off the treadmill and Gerry was suddenly in front of him. Herman stepped down and they circled one another. The air in the room felt thick and Herman’s breathing became heavier. He inhaled the masculine sweat that permeated the air and it made him feel weak.

  “I saw you looking at me.”

  Herman shook his head. “I didn’t mean to be rude.”

  “I didn’t see anything rude about it. You’re a handsome man.”

  “Likewise.” Herman needed to move the conversation away from the attraction he felt. He wasn’t ready to take action.

  Time to change the subject.

  “I couldn’t help but notice how you worked on your circuit training. Really intense.”

  “I’m into strength and endurance. Doing a pretty good job of it too. I’ve put on quite a bit of muscle the last few years.”

  “It’s obvious you’re strong. You don’t even appear out of breath.”

  “Oh, I’m out of breath.” Gerry smiled.

  Herman saw those hazel eyes turn up at the corners again. Was he the reason that Gerry was breathless? The temptation was back full force and his cock twitched.

  “The strong, silent type? Oh, come on. With that hard body? You must have many admirers.”

  Herman tried to smile. “I work out regularly.”

  “Next question. Boyfriend?”

  “No.”

  “Then I feel free to say that I’m incredibly attracted to you.” Gerry placed a hand on Herman’s waist and let it wander slowly down his thigh. “Watching your body move on that treadmill gave me serious wood.”

  Herman shuddered at the touch. “That feels good.”

  “Can I interest you in a shower, Mr. Anonymous? I’d like to know you a little better in a more private location.”

  Herman hesitated. This wasn’t what he’d expected to happen the first time back at this gym. He wasn’t ready for a sexual encounter, although it was nice to think about one with this cut man whom he was equally attracted to. A blowjob? A fuck? It had been so long. “I’m sorry. Not today.”

  Gerry threw his hand up in the air. “You were throwing out the signs. I thought I’d read them correctly.”

  The atmosphere in the room became chilly, like the air conditioner had been turned on high. “Again, I apologize. I’ve been going through a bad time.”

  They looked into each other’s eyes. Gerry seemed to stare, as if trying to see into Herman’s soul. It made Herman incredibly uncomfortable. Damn, those eyes looked familiar! He felt like he had gazed into them a million times, a million years ago. His heart pounded. Could this man possibly be Steve? His Steve? Herman couldn’t even fathom the idea right now. It was too much for his brain to handle.

  “Will you be here tomorrow?” Gerry broke the stare and glanced down to the floor.

  “I don’t know,” murmured Herman, unsure of what to say next. “I’m kind of in transit right now.”

  “Okay.” Gerry shrugged. “Understood. I’ll be here around ten in the morning. If I see you, maybe we can talk again.” He turned and left the fitness room.

  Herman was shocked by the abrupt nature of the exit but it was just as well. He needed his blood pressure and breathing to return to normal. The whole encounter had left him shocked and unclear about what was going on.

  Steve. Even the name caused pain in his heart. But if Herman had any balls, he would be here tomorrow.

  * * * * *

  Steve had been ecstatic when he’d started talking to Herman, but angry by the time he left the gym. The experience was everything he had hoped for and all the memories came rushing back. It was him. The man he had fallen in love with so many years ago was a handsome firefighter named Herman Fleming. Fuck. He finally knew his name and the emotions overwhelmed him. />
  He didn’t even know why he had offered sex so quickly. Maybe because he hadn’t a clue what else to say. It was good to know that Herman didn’t rush into fucking a stranger. Somehow that thought soothed Steve a bit. Although Steve definitely would have fucked Herman or sucked his cock or done anything else that Herman would have wanted, just to make him happy.

  What a mess he had gotten himself into. He was irritated at himself and Herman. How the hell could this be handled the right way? He was sweating and he felt anxious. Maybe even a little short of breath.

  A horn suddenly blared. Steve had walked right into the street without checking the light. He moved to the sidewalk and took three deep breaths to calm down.

  But none of this took into consideration that Steve was a shapeshifter and a bounty hunter looking for Herman the fugitive. And what about Herman? Had he been going to the gym all these years? Had Steve left the gym too soon years ago after Herman didn’t come back? Maybe Herman had wanted to talk to him but Steve had never returned.

  The only bright spot was he’d heard Herman say he wasn’t a murderer when he had eavesdropped on him at his friend’s apartment. Being a recovery agent, it wasn’t Steve’s business to believe guilt or innocence. His job was to bring Herman in. What was he going to do about that? When he told Herman that he wasn’t Gerry, would the lying hurt any chance they might have for a future relationship? Herman would be upset when he heard the truth and might run. If that happened, Steve would have to chase him down and handcuff him, like any other bail jumper. That would be an awful ending and cause unnecessary pain on both sides.

  Did Steve even want a relationship with someone who’d hurt him so badly? He thought back to those painful months after Herman had disappeared. His heart had been broken into a million little pieces, wondering what had gone wrong. He’d gone to therapy for depression, didn’t eat well for months and drank too much alcohol to numb the pain. The nightmares still hadn’t stopped.