Garner working as a waiter at an upscale restaurant with a growing attraction to a man named Alonzo, who always asks to be put in his section for dinner. One night after work, the man is assaulted while trailing Garner. Garner goes to his aid, but is shot for his trouble.<br><br>Taking time off from work to recover, Garner is resting on a park bench when Alonzo suddenly appears at the other end of the bench. Garner never saw him approach. He asks why Alonzo is trailing him.<br><br>After some hesitation, Alonzo explains he wants to recruit Garner to help fight against others who systematically hunt people like himself. Garner isn’t inclined to get involved in anything dangerous, but he does finds Alonzo more and more attractive, so he agrees to consider the idea. As he learns more about Alonzo’s bizarre and dangerous subculture, what Garner really wants to know is whether Alonzo is romantically interested in him at all.

Call to Love

After that they continued in silence. Garner was very aware of Alonzo’s presence next to him. They even brushed hands occasionally—which gave Garner a thrill when it happened.


“So,” Garner said at last, deciding to change the subject. “I could see you, when you were—doing that thing, suppressing my perceptions.”


Alonzo nodded. “You are beginning to develop your abilities.” He paused, before adding, “And you’re beginning to see.”


Garner wasn’t sure what that last word meant; he was distracted by another brush with Alonzo’s hand. This time he took hold of it and pulled his companion to a stop. Alonzo didn’t try to pull away. He just stood there, looking up at Garner calmly but questioningly.


“Look,” Garner said. “You have—whatever, perceptions—so you must know.” He paused, and took several breaths. “I mean—do you have any feelings for me at all?”


Alonzo studied Garner’s face for a long while, then with a slight grimace, nodded minutely


Chapter 47