Free Hunting Heroes: A Superhero Novel by Derek Pozel

you.”
    “Its fine,” Ethan gave her a weak smile before he turned his attention back to Garrett. “We can handle it.”
    Garrett leaned past Ethan to get closer to Denise. “I’m not feeling too hot. There are too many people in this place.” He gripped Ethan’s arm to signal the plan was in motion and saw Ethan’s face go white like he had seen the ghost of his little sister.
    “Ok, Garrett,” she said and scooted next to Ethan. “Ethan, are you sure you’re ok? We can leave.”
    “No, I’ve never been this close to an Afflicted,” Ethan said into Denise’s ear. Garrett flipped the hood of his monk’s costume back over his head and turned to face the crowd.             
    “I know it must bring memories up for you,” Denise said. “I try not to think about it. I thought with Garrett’s interest in the Afflicted you guys were ok with it.” Denise wrapped her arm around Ethan’s waist and leaned her head against his chest. She tilted her head up and her red lips slightly parted.
    “Don’t worry,” Ethan said, his eyes never left hers.
    Garrett glanced to his friends underneath his hood and saw the moment they shared, he could not stop the smile on his face. Garrett gave Ethan a small nod and motioned his head towards Denise.
    “Do it,” Garrett mouthed the words to his best friend.
    Garrett took a deep breath and pushed Ethan so could wrap his strong arms around Denise to keep himself from falling.
    Denise and Ethan stood surrounded by strangers in each other’s arms, their bodies drawn close. Ethan rested his head against hers and drew her tighter into his arms to have as much of her body against his.
    Denise blushed and tilted her upper body away from his, and gazed into his gentle brown eyes. “About time.” She kissed Ethan’s lips and he pulled her even closer.
    “Finally,” Garrett spun away on his heels. He was happy for them and he didn’t want to hide it. His afflicted power droned on, it never let him forget why he was here.
    Denise pulled away from Ethan and ran her dainty hand across his jaw. She moved away from Ethan and winked at Garrett. Garrett grinned to show his approval and offered two thumbs up.
    “I’ll find my own ride home,” Garrett whispered to Ethan the code phrase they planned when the hunt was about to begin.
    Ethan’s toothy smile faded. “You sure?”
    Garrett narrowed his eyes, his jaw muscles flexed. “I’m sure,” he said through his teeth.
    “Denise, I’m sorry to cut this night short,” Garrett said. “But I’m not feeling too awesome. I’m going to get out of here. Thanks for the tickets though.” Garrett kept an eye on his prey.
    “Are you sure you want to take off? We can leave too,” Denise said. “Ethan, want to go?”
    “No, its ok, I’m going to catch a cab. You guys deserve a night away from me,” Garrett began to step away. “I’ll see you at home, don’t even worry about me.” Garrett offered his hand to Ethan and gave Denise a hug before he rushed off to the bathroom. He scanned the crowd and located his Granite by the circles of groupies around him.
    Garrett noted the immense size of the two bouncers who stood near the door and thought they got bigger and meaner. He leaned against the wall in the hallway, watching the bouncers until he found the right time to make his move to the bathroom door. He saw his opportunity when a group of women entered the club, distracting the bouncers. He sprung off the wall and bounded down the hallway. His heart began to race with each step, a grin crept across his face.
    Garrett jumped into the bathroom, pulling the door behind him.
    “Hello?” he said and pulled the monk’s robe over his head. “Anyone in here?”
    He walked into the only stall in the bathroom, rolled up the monk’s robe and laid it on the toilet tank. He twisted his shirt around to unpin his gloves and mask. His fingers fumbled with the safety pins. He paused, took a deep breath and tried again. This