CH 141
The girls grabbed extra drinks before Bob and Allison took Bruce back to the house. Bob figured they needed them. It was starting to get warm out.
Riding beside Bob, Bruce asked, "All you could find was a few women to do road work?"
"So far, that's been it," Bob agreed. "We are really glad to see you. Anne said you need a place to be low profile?"
Bruce winced. "I don't think I'll ever be that low profile."
Allison stuck her head up between the seats. "Someone after you?" she asked.
"You could say that," Bruce begrudgingly agreed.
"You've come to the right place then!" Allison chirped. "Here, we all look out for each other."
Bob chuckled. "No one in their right mind messes with Driftwood."
"For all the different species, we get along good also." Allison added.
Bruce eyed Allison. "What do you mean, different species?" he asked cautiously.
Bob grinned and said, "From what I got from Anne, let's just say that no one in this car right now is completely human."
"What?" Bruce asked, looking nervous.
"Don't worry!" Allison told him. "We aren't going to pry into your secret, you can tell us if you want, but that's up to you."
Bob offered, "Many people in town are different, but everyone gets along and helps each other. That keeps our community safe, and busy bodies out."
Bruce looked at Bob, then Allison. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you?"
"I'm a cyborg," Allison said with a smile and a flash of her blue eyes. "Boat faced Bob here is immortal. We found out when we were swimming in the big lake and he got ran over by a speed boat. Joan's a cyborg too, so are her parents."
"Allie? We shouldn't go telling who anyone else is." Bob told her.
"Bruce needs to know that whatever he is, he's safe here." Allison said firmly.
Bruce stared at them. "A cyborg? Like you're part machine? There's such a thing as people who are immortal?"
Bob nodded, "Yeah, there's a few of us in town. If you can think of some weird human offshoot, I can say there's at least one in Driftwood someplace."
Allison said, "Bruce, one of the girls on our football team is a werewolf. She's a great receiver."
"No outing anyone else," Bob said firmly.
"I didn't say who she was," Allison countered.
Bob pulled down into their driveway. "Oh hell," he grumbled. On the dock were a pair of mers, one looked doubled over, the other was by them. Upon hearing the car, the one waved them down. "Allie, we got trouble."
Bob stopped, they piled out. Bruce came also, staring at the scene on the dock. "Mermaids?" he asked vacantly.
"Ob, Elp!" the mermaid cried and waved them down.
"I'm a medic," Bruce said as they ran onto the dock.
Coaxing the merman onto his back, they saw his stomach wound. It looked like a clean puncture, and blood was flowing out. Bruce clapped a hand over the hole. "We need a doctor."
Allison announced, "Keep it covered, I'll pick him up. Bob, get the car, we have to get him to the clinic!"
Bruce held the wound closed. He also noted these were not fake tails, this pair really were honest to god mermaids!
Allison said some cooing words the the mermaid and got her to slide back so Allison could get her arms under his back and tail to pick him up. The mermaid looked worried and cried. Bob drove the Bronco down though the yard and backed up to the dock. He threw the back open and threw the lunch remains out the back. Allison had Bruce get in first still holding the wound, then set the merman in with him.
"He needs surgery!" Bruce announced. His mind was spinning with the impossibility of what was happening, but he fixed on trying to keep this ...man? alive to get him to a hospital.
Bob jumped in the driver's seat. "Allie, let's go!"
Allison carried the mermaid into the front passenger seat with her. Her tail was in Bob's lap. Allison talked to the mermaid to find out what happened as Bob drove for the clinic. Allison then called her mother.
"Mom, tell Doctor Kimble we have a merman with a deep stomach puncture wound ... Yes, we're on our way now by road ... He speared a gar, when it thrashed it drove the butt end of the spear back into him ... right."
To Bob, Allison said, "Back up right to the door of the clinic, Bruce, let the doctor look at him before we take him out of the car."
Getting to Claire's yard, Bob backed up blowing the horn. By the building he was backing to, Bruce saw several mer people perk up and quickly scramble to the slide to slide down into the water, getting out of the way. A man and a woman came out, the man coaxed Bob closer, then raise a hand for him to stop. Bob stopped and piled out. So did Allison, still carrying the mermaid.
Bruce was wedged in with the merman. The doctor talked to the merman in whatever language they used, then shook his finger at him. The merman let out a weak laugh. He opened is bag and had Bruce lift his hand.
Kimble gave the merman a shot in the arm, then a couple more right around the wound. He kept talking to him as he cleaned the wound then got out a suture kit to sew the wound shut. Kimble then looked up at Bruce and sternly said, "You say nothing about this or seeing any mer people."
"I won't," Bruce agreed.
Kimble then glanced at Allison. "He's going to need his spear back, take the girl and go find it." Kimble then put a sealer over the stitches.
"OK, Doc." Allison set the mermaid down and went into the house.
Kimble then picked up his bag and motioned to the merman. "Bob, get him out, lay him on the ground by the slide."
Bob did. Bruce was able to get out, He saw not far away several mers of various size were watching them.
"There's a whole community of them here," Bruce said vacantly.
"Right, and it's up to us to protect them." Bob told him. "This lake is the only place we know they exist. It's their home, and we need to keep the media circus and scientists away from them. I'm sure you know about the prodders who will do anything to get answers, and these mers have no place to run to."
Bruce nodded. Yes, he did know about those who would to anything to get answers. Even live autopsies.
Claire came up and said, "Bob, Allie needs your help."
Bob went off toward the house.
Bruce cleaned out the back of the Bronco as mers gathered by the wounded one, talked and cooed with him. Feeling like he'd stepped into the twilight zone, he noted Bob came back carrying Allison who now wore a mermaid tail. He kissed Allison then laid her on the slide, held her hand then gave a pull to throw her down the slide. She hit the water and swam away deeper.
The mermaid they came with them got on her knees and held her arms out to Bob. He knelt down in front of her, gave her a kiss as they wrapped together, then laid her on the slide to throw her down. She let out a happy yell just before she splashed down.
Making sure the way was clear, Bob and Bruce got back in the Bronco and headed back to the house.
"You look a little confused," Bob offered.
"When you said there was many different species here, you weren't kidding," Bruce said. "Those were real mermaids! Allison, she can swim with them? How does she breathe under water?"
"Allie and Joan can hold their breath for a long time. While most people are only good for a minute or so, I've seen then go fifteen, twenty minutes under before coming up for a breath," Bob explained. He ginned and said, "We went to a pool and they thought it was funny to fall in and sink to the bottom to lay there. Some people jumped in to 'save' them. They got up and walked to the shallow end and agreed they picked a bad place to nap."
Bruce thought about it. "They are part mechanical, so they don't need as much oxygen."
"And since they are heavier than water, without those mermaid tails, they sink straight to the bottom. They gotta be careful they don't get themselves in trouble around water without their tails. They can still drown if they can't get out in time," Bob said.
Bruce was quiet for a moment, then said, "I used to be a research scientist. I was searching for hidden strength in the human body. Well, I found it in the anger section of the brain, and it destroyed my life. I'm dangerous, Bob. Very dangerous if I get angry."
"We got a few of those," Bob replied. "That's one good reason we stay calm and helpful. Anne, the sheriff's secretary? Or either of Joan's mothers? They get angry and it's best to just run. They bring down buildings and wipe the field of anyone who stands in their way. Normally, they are pleasant and nice to be around. Kind and helpful as the day is long. You don't want to get them angry either."
Bruce asked, "There's more like me?"
Bob saw a bit of fear in his eyes. "Yeah, maybe not exactly like you, but very dangerous in their own right. This place gives them the chance to live calm lives so the chaos stays to a minimum. We help each other and protect our town. Others, like the mers and those girls on the road crew, they need to be protected. Speaking of that, let me know if you warm up to any of them. They are dying to keep someone happy."
"I admit I'm a monster and you think it's all right for me to even be near some woman?" Bruce asked in shock.
Bob shrugged. "Cameron, Lucy, Sonya, they all have their own families, Anne has settled in with the sheriff. Look, Bruce, life isn't easy for many of us, but we can learn to live with ourselves. If you really care for a woman, I'm sure your monster will also recognize her as important, and won't hurt her. In fact, in a few families around here, it's deadly to mess with that family, for the monster in that family, as you put it, will kill anyone who wants to harm one of their family. Your other part may be big and terrible, but it's still you."
"I can't risk hurting anyone else," Bruce said firmly.
"That's why you've been running, isn't it?" Bob asked. Even without a reply, Bob knew that was right. "Bruce, this is your chance to stop running. Maybe the only chance you'll ever get."
.
Bob got home to find Joan was back. The back of the SUV was open, she came out to get more groceries as he pulled up.
"Great, give me a hand guys!" Joan called to them.
Bob clapped and cheered. "Yay for Joan!"
Joan stopped and eyed him.
"We're coming," Bob said and got out.
There were only a few bags left. Bob grabbed a couple, Bruce got the last one. hey trooped into the kitchen. Bob explained as he helped put groceries away. "Joan this is Bruce, one of our new road working crew. Bruce, Joan."
"Hi Bruce. do you have a girlfriend?" Joan asked brightly.
"Not any more," Bruce replied sadly.
"Awww, so, can we get you one?" she asked.
Bruce held his hand up, "I ahh, don't think that's a good idea."
Joan looked up out from behind the refrigerator door. "Why not?"
"Umm, made matches usually don't last. I don't even know if I will like whoever it is you're thinking about," He offered.
"Don't worry, you can pick your own," she assured him.
Bruce chuckled. "What, just line them up and let me pick one?"
"Yes," Joan said as she dug into another bag.
"Wow and offer like that ... I'll take two!" Bruce said in jest.
"Great!" Joan beamed. "Two it is!"
Bob laughed. He grinned at Bruce. "She's serious."
Joan waved a package of steaks at Bruce. "Take your time, get to know them, then just tell us which ones you want." She put the steaks in the freezer.
"Ah, Joan, I wasn't serious. I'm not looking for a girlfriend." Bruce told her.
"You should be, put some joy in your life!" Joan announced. "Or maybe a Jo, or Hanna."
"Guys, my last relationship ended ... badly. Betty was going to be my wife, but she died." Bruce admitted.
"Ohh, that's terrible!" Joan cried. "When did this happen?"
"Couple years ago," Bruce said weakly.
"You were being chased?" Bob asked.
Bruce nodded. "I don't like to think about it."
"Then don't!" Joan stated. She went over to Bruce and clapped a hand on his shoulder. Looking him in the eye, she said, "Horrible shit happens, It's very sad and it's history. You need to get your life back together, don't you?"
Bruce swallowed. "I don't know if I can."
"Then we'll help. First thing, know you are in a new place that's fairly safe. Second, take the time to get yourself together and start living again. I know it's not easy, but you must for yourself."
"Even if I'm..." Bruce didn't finish his statement.
"Hey, come on," Joan said gently. "You're not the only one who's had a rough time of it. Being constantly sad makes people bitter. Don't be bitter. It's not good for you or anyone around you."
Bruce sported a brief grin. "That's true."
Joan offered him a smile. "Then think of this as the first day in your new life!" she said cheerfully. "After we get groceries put away, we'll find you a room." She then went back to storing groceries.
"The army is after me," Bruce blurted out. "You're not safe as long as I'm here."
"Then let's do something about that," Joan said. She dragged her phone out. "Hey, Mom? One of our new guys here, Bruce Banner, is being hounded by the US army .. yes, can John Henry help? ... OK, thanks mom!"
Joan put her phone away and turned to Bruce. "No word of or about you will leave Driftwood and any inquiries about you will be removed. Anyone coming looking for you won't find anything."
"You .. you just made a phone call, and you can stop the army?" Bruce asked weakly.
Joan cracked a grin and winked. "We're the Connors, we can do that. The army knows better than to screw with us."
"John Henry wiping files on Bruce?" Bob asked.
"As we speak, so relax Bruce," Joan said.
Bruce giggled. "They will really leave me alone?"
"In a couple hours, you will cease to exist on any communications. You'll be harder find than..." Joan thought a second. She raised a finger and said, "A real mermaid!"
Bob laughed at that. Bruce laughed in relief.
.
Bob gave Bruce Jo's room and had Jo double up with Hanna. "This is temporary for now," Bob explained. "I'm sure eventually you'll want your own place."
Bruce looked over the simple room and said, "Hey, as long as I can sleep in peace, I'm happy. So, who are you people?"
Bob shrugged. "Just people who want to live and work and not be bothered. Sticking together and embracing the good things we have, we can do that."
"Someone here must have massive pull if you can keep the army away," Bruce stated.
"That's true. It keeps all our lives simple," Bob agreed. "We've had all kinds try and come to ruin what we have here. A big bunch of terrorists, kidnappers, hoodlums, even government sanctioned bad guys. None of them stood a snowball's chance in hell. The guilty got punished, and buried. The president who though he needed to get rid of us was gotten rid of. John Connor took his place until another president was elected."
Bruce stared at nothing for a moment then said, "Yeah, I remember hearing about that. The news said John Connor came and took over everything, made new elections, then he disappeared again. Joan's a relative I take it."
"His oldest daughter. Jackie, Joan's little sister is a ball of fire too. They actually had fun when we were fighting in Mexico," Bob said with a grin. "Come to think of it, they have a couple times."
Jo came in taking her shirt off.
"Ah, Jo," Bob said.
Jo pulled her shirt off (no bra) and looked at Bob. "Hi Robert. Oh, that's right, you gave my room to someone else."
"Had to, unless you want to room with Bruce here," he said and motioned to Jo. "Bruce, this is Jo. You'll be on the road crew together."
"Hi," Bruce said, blushing at her as she turned to face him, bare chested.
"Hello, Bruce," Jo replied with a smile. She then said, "Sorry I disturbed you."
"That's OK," Bruce replied, trying hard not to look at her chest and her lobes capped with perfect looking nipples.
Jo walked out, Bruce's eyes followed.
"She really needs a boyfriend," Bob noted.
"I know many guys that would be aching to have her," Bruce said vacantly. "Why doesn't she have guys clambering after her?"
"It's complex. We'll talk about that later on. OH, and there's one bathroom with a shower and a big tub. Be sure to knock before you go in."
"Robert!" Hanna appeared in the doorway. She still had her work clothes on, no bra so she swayed to a stop. "Jo is going to be in my room now?"
"Yes, Hanna, unless you want to share a room with Bruce here. He's going to be on the road crew too."
Hanna frowned at him. "Not funny, Robert." she said and walked away.
"I take it she needs a boyfriend too?"
"Desperately," Bob intoned. In a low voice, he said, "A short while ago, they all caught me in the shower and well, Joan wants to kill all of them. I'm trying to get them boyfriends to keep them alive."
Bruce's eyes widened. "They did that?"
"It's complicated, but yeah, like I said, they really need boyfriends."
"I guess so."
.
Dinner time came and Bruce observed. It was like Bob was the flame to every girl's moth. Although they were as discrete as possible he noted the busty red head, Malinara, petted Bob's back when neither Joan nor Allison was looking. Hanna, who also had a chest full wore an open shirt, bent low across the table to give Bob an eyefull to place his glass down, Dina kept giving him glances and Jo across the table did this incredible sexy stretch to make her nips poke out. He could also see Joan wasn't happy with the behavior she caught. Neither was Allison. A couple times, he thought he saw Joan's eyes turn red.
It was fairly clear to see every single one of them wanted Bob. Yeah that was a smouldering cat fight for sure.
After dinner, Bob made the excuse he wanted to check on the old clinic, and had Bruce come with him. Heading outside, They took a slow walk down through the yard.
"I found them in another place, not in this ... reality," Bob said. "It was a fifteenth century world I got sucked into. This asshole at a bar was spouting off. I called him on it, he wanted to go fight. I was just pissed off enough and went out with him. Basically, I killed him. When the guards came I was sure I was headed for whatever jail they had. Come to find out, that guy used the system they have to steal other men's things. Any duel there was considered a fair fight if both participants were armed equally, and both agreed to the fight. The winner, in this case me, since I killed him, got everything he had. His house, all his wealth, and his four slave girls. I knew they would be in a bad way when I left, so to keep them from being abused any further, I brought them back here, and they've been a pain in the ass ever since."
"They were slaves," Bruce said.
"In their minds, they still are and won't listen to anything else. We've tried head doctors and I gave each of them plenty of money, assured them they could go do whatever they wanted. They won't have it. They insist they are my slaves, end of story. They are fanatically loyal, to the point of suicide. The only thing we can figure is I have to sell them to someone to get rid of them. Knowing how they are, I want to make sure whoever gets them, treats them well."
"Do you know how screwed up that is?" Bruce asked.
"I know all too well," Bob agreed. "I've had to live with it. I fear that soon, if I can't do something with them, then when one of them states, keep me or kill me, Joan will be happy to oblige."
Bruce let out a dry chuckle. "You've got a big problem, Bob."
"Yeah. Can you help out a bit here?"
Bruce shook his head. "I can see why you're trying to move them on, what about Joan and Allison? They aren't jealous of each other?"
"They are joined at the hip," Bob said. "They grew up together, do everything together. I do mean everything. Even in high school when Joan wanted to make out, she brought Allison along with her when she was able to. Allison did too. After a while, I understood that it was both or neither."
"And their parents were OK with that?"
Bob chuckled. "No. Neither was my mom. She freaked when she found out all three of us were making out on the couch together. The only ones who didn't give us grief were Joan's parents. John's married to Cameron and Delilah, so they didn't think it was abnormal. Joan's brother, John Junior had two wives also."
"Wow."
Bob stopped and pointed. "Rattlesnake."
Bruce stopped and in the growing dark, he saw a long shape.
"He's not coiled up so he's not nervous yet. We better head back."
"Yeah," Bruce agreed. They turned around and headed back to the house.
"So anyway, if you feel like you'd like a good, devoted woman, just tell me which one," Bob said.
"I have to think hard about it."
"Lives are at stake here so please do."
.
In the morning, it was all business. Jo did come in to wake Bruce up, but she didn't flirt. She came back in to tell him she forgot some clothes, grabbed them and left. They meandered down for breakfast, and in getting ready, Allison pointed at Bruce's feet.
Allison asked. "Bruce, don't you have boots?"
"I got sturdy shoes," he said.
"You need boots, and a wide brimmed hat. No pistol either?"
"I've never had a gun," Bruce said honestly.
Allison hooked a finger at him. "Come on, we're going shopping."
"At least get him a snake pole," Joan said, "That won't beat off Alligators or bears, but maybe you can stick them in the eye."
"Speaking of alligators," Malinara piped up, "We need some extra lunch meat, a ten footer had found where we're working, and he behaves as long as we feed him."
"I'll pack it to take with you. Don't give him your lunches," Joan said, then went back in the kitchen.
"You feed alligators?" Bruce asked.
"It's better than trying to fight with them," Malinara replied.
"Yeah, by the Connor house, one came up to see what we were doing," Dina said. "We fed it and it just laid down and watched us for a while."
"This place is wild, isn't it?" Bruce noted.
"And wildlife is just that, so you're going shopping before work." Allison stated.
.
Bruce left with Allison as the girls got their tools together and Bob filled up a water barrel on the truck for them. He had to ask, "With all the wild animals around here, aren't you scared living here?"
"No, as long as you keep an eye out and be careful, you're good. Alligators are usually big enough that you'll see them before they become a threat. Just don't get near the shore, they are ambush hunters. Lying still under the water they are very hard to see and despite their size, they are quick. If you get close to a rattlesnake, they will rattle to warn you off. If you don't see them, listen and back away from where you hear them. Bears will shy away from noises, unless there's cub around. You see a cub, walk away from it. Momma bears can be mean. Rat snakes are aggressive, but they don't have any venom. If one chases you, run towards an alligator, they love to eat rat snakes. As long as you keep a watch around you, you'll be fine."
As an after thought, Allison added, "OH, and make sure all doors stay shut, you never know what might come wandering into the house."
"I take it a few people have gotten surprised?" he asked.
"A few. the funniest was when someone left a door open, Allie Gator, Joan's pet, came in and laid down on the couch. The woman Yuka, didn't see her and sat on her." Allison laughed, "Scare the living hell out of Yuka."
"Yuka sat on her?"
"Yeah, how do you miss a ten foot alligator lying on the couch? Yuka was lucky that she sat close enough to Allie's head, that Allie missed her when she snapped. Yuka ran out screaming bloody murder!"
"Any other gritters come inside to nap?"
"I saw a picture of a cougar lying on someone's couch. I guess the woman opened the doors then made a bunch of noise in the kitchen. The cougar got up and left. There was also this couple that went to bed, then were scared to get up because there was a rattlesnake under the bed. So, make sure all the doors stay shut."
"And none of this gets you nervous?" Bruce asked.
"Not really, what scares me is creepy people." Allison stated. "Animals are predictable, people aren't"
"You do have a point there," Bruce admitted.
Turning to go down the road to town, Allison slowed on seeing two girls on bicycles. The girls turned and waved. Allison waved back. "Hey Nana, Mayu!"
"Hey Allie!" they chorused.
Looking at them, Bruce focused on the one with purple hair. "Are those horns on her head?" he asked.
"Yeah, Nana's a diclonius. She's a good kid. Mayu is Japanese."
"I never heard of... what did you call her?" he asked.
"Diclonius. Nana is Lucy's daughter. I can't pronounce Lucy's Japanese name, but it means, Death Wind. They live right up here. You've heard of Kamikaze, right? That means Divine wind. Lucy's the opposite."
"Bob wasn't kidding when he said many people here aren't normal," Bruce said.
"Nope, and we all watch out for each other," Allison said proudly.
Coming upon the furniture factory Sonya and a couple men were loading up a truck. Bruce felt the hulk still. Sonya was huge! "She's got to be seven feet tall at least." And well build he noted.
"That's Sonya, one of the Connors. She's got her own family now and owns the furniture factory. Built it up herself. Her husband is Mark, the garage mechanic. He's another real tall one." Allison giggled. "John was real happy when Sonya met Mark and forgot about fur faced George. George only came up to the bottom of her boobs."
Bruce laughed.
Allison honked and waved. Sonya turned and waved back. Bruce waved too. Somehow, he wasn't feeling as out of place here as he first had. In fact, he was beginning to think Joan was right, this was one place where he might be able to feel at home.
Allison stopped at the leather store. Going inside, she had Bruce sized for boots and a wide brim hat. Another young man came in. "Allison Young?" he asked.
Allison studied him, then said, "Ben! I haven't seen you since high school, what have you been up to?"
Ben blushed a bit. "Nothing as exciting as you. I mean a top football star, and I saw that bit on the news where you guys were fighting on Mexico. You were really part of the spearhead for the Third Division? And you didn't even stop after you were wounded?" he gushed.
"Yeah, we took a few hits, but we gave many more," she told him.
"What Joan said was really bad-assed" he beamed. "I'm still standing, ain't I, we got more ass to kick! So what happened with that NFL suit?"
"Joan won, but the NFL is appealing the decision."
"Bastards," he grumbled. "So you know, I don't watch their games any more, and won't go to one. Coming to see you girls play, I'll be there!"
"Did you go to college, or..." Alison wondered.
"Yeah, I got a degree in mechanical engineering, but so far, no job," he said with a sigh. "If I don't get something soon, I'm going to be in trouble."
"Are you looking for a temporary job maybe?" Allison prodded.
"I'm willing to do anything right now, got something in mind?"
"I do" Allison beamed. "We need road workers around the small lake. 14 an hour, and the crew has been going ten hours a day. It's not a career, but it's income."
"Yeah, I'll take it," he agreed happily. "When do I start?"
"How about after Bruce here gets his stuff? He's starting today too."
"Really? Allison, I love you! And not just because you look hot in your football uniform."
Allison laughed. "Go tell your girlfriend you got a job, I'll meet you outside, OK?"
"My Mom, I don't have a girlfriend."
"Well, maybe you'll get one. We do have four girls on the road crew."
"I'll be back soon, wait for me!" he cried and ran out.
That made Bruce smile.
.
Heading back up onto the lake road with Bruce and Ben, Allison found the road crew was partway to the marine biologists place. She parked just beyond the end of the finished road. At the moment, Hanna was the road watch and Jo was raking out the leftover gravel. The tractor and cart were to the side.
Seeing Allison, Hanna said, "Dina and Malinara went to get a load of crushed stone. There's a lot of small holes in the road here, it's going to take a little more covering."
Allison introduced Ben to everyone, he had big smiles for Hanna.
Jo announced, "Now we got you here, Ben, can you drive the tractor and flatted out the high spots on the road? Bruce, it would be great if you can help me wet down the last bit of packed road here."
Both men were eager to help. Seeing they were getting to work, Allison left them to it.
Ben was one of those guys who needed to study hard to get through college. He never had time for the frat parties or beer binging sex parties. He wasn't into sports except for watching them, so his biggest thrill was watching the women's football games. Lots of female flesh on display there. Long tight legs and stomachs and their butts wiggled so nice when they ran.
Here today, besides seeing the gorgeous Allison, there were two other fine women that he was here in the presence of. Jo was slim and sexy, and Hanna, besides a pretty face and long legs, she had to have stuffed pillows into her shirt. They had loose shirts on to help combat the heat, and when Hanna moved, she swayed nicely.
He had to concentrate on driving though, and push the ridge tops on the road into the depressions. This was a meaty little tractor, but it still took effort to dig in and get the road flat. When the truck came back with the crushed stone, it was unloaded by the shovel full, and smoothed out by rake as they eyeballed the road surface to make sure it was flat. Once it was, water was spread over it, then the roller was used to pack it down.
Getting a section done, Bruce stood to the side as Malinara inspected the road to be sure it was good so they could moved on a bit farther. He felt a tap on his leg, just above his ankle. He looked down to see the long alligator mouth tap against his leg again.
"Yah!" Bruce yelped and he jumped to the side. In his haste to escape, he tripped and fell. "Ahhh... AHHGH ... ROOOAR!"
Everyone stood motionless and gaped at green giant that got up from where Bruce fell, except for the alligator. It quickly turned around and ran as fast as it could back through the brush and into the trees.
"Wow," Dina whispered.
"What is that?" Ben asked, barely audible as he gaped.
The closest one to him, Jo, asked, "Bruce?"
The Hulk turned it's hard gaze onto Jo. Watching her, the green monster's face softened some.
"That is you, isn't it, Bruce," Jo said, staring up at him.
Getting some thought engaged, Dina asked, "Bruce is a troll?"
"He looks awesome," Malinara said.
Jo's face spread into a smile. "This is great! Bruce! Can you put the stone from the truck down on the road? Please?" She motioned him towards the truck.
Fascinated by the dark haired very pretty thing coaxing him, the Hulk followed her over to the truck. She made spreading motions. It took him a moment, but he got it. He picked the truck up and tipped it up to dump the stone on the road. He set the truck back down farther down the road, out of the pile.
Soothing, that was what the pretty little thing by him was. She smiled at him, calming him down. He felt weak, he shrunk. When he toppled over, Jo caught him and helped him sit.
"Bruce, are you Ok?" she asked.
Bruce came to his senses to find he was leaning on Jo, his head on her chest, her arms around him. He quickly got up and looked around. He was about to ask what happened, but by his torn apart shirt and split pant legs he knew what happened. "Oh no," he said weakly. He's changed. He looked around to see who was hurt. What had he destroyed this time?
"You did great!" Malinara cried. "Bruce, by dumping the truck out, you saved us doing it all by shovel! Thank you, that was awesome!"
Bruce stared at her. "What?"
"You did a couple hour's work in a few minutes," Jo beamed at him. "You just picked the truck up and dumped it out. "Hey, Dina, go refill the truck, we'll have this spread out and packed by the time you return!"
Bruce cast a confused look at the smiling faces around him. "You're not scared of me?" he asked in shock.
Jo said, "So, you're a big, strong troll. You didn't try to hurt anyone, you helped us do our job. What's wrong with that?"
"You should have told us sooner," Hanna stated.
He changed, right here in front of them, and they weren't afraid. OK, Ben was still sitting in place, shaking slightly as he stared at him, but that was expected. The last thing he expected was seeing smiles beamed at him after turning into the hulk. It made him feel a little dizzy.