“My man! Yep… I see times during the no killing phase of this road trip where sipping a few in front of the fireplace will be an absolute must. I have to admit it will be good to get the more hazardous part of this journey in our rear view mirror.”
“Wait a minute, Gus. I’m not into wishing my life away, especially when it incorporates my trade tools. You need to calm down and accept your role in this endeavor.”
“Blasphemy!”
“Well… yeah… a little of that.”
Chapter Twenty
Book Signing Adventures
“Oh… my… God.” Rachel stared out the limousine window as they neared the Barnes and Noble bookstore on Warren Street. “We’re two hours early! Are those people waiting for the book signing?”
Cassie gripped her hand. “This is so good! This is New York good! In this weather for so many to be out here waiting, it’s incredible. We already have a successful book signing. I am so glad you came East, Nick.”
“The book store is open. Let’s get started now. We’re already here, and I’m no Diva. If the bookstore’s not prepared for an early start, I’ll meet and greet on the sidewalk.”
Cassie reached over and grabbed Nick’s hand. “Let’s do this. Linda’s already inside. We’ll go in and see where things stand.”
The group left the limousine to cheers from the line of customers.
“You bunch go inside and see how things are going. Let the bookstore people know I’m ready to go. I’ll get started right on the sidewalk. I’m dressed warm.”
“Damn Nick… that’s nice of you. I’ll come out and get you when they get everything ready inside.”
“That will be fine, Cass.” Nick did a quick sidebar with his group. “Remember… if this signing starts boring the hell out anybody, head back to the Trump. I’ll handle this. I’m juiced and looking forward to this.”
“We understand, Nick,” Gus replied. “I’ll oversee your retinue. If attitudes start getting negative, I’ll handle it.”
“Thanks Gus. See you all inside.” Nick turned to the line of people, walking over to the head of the line while his companions entered the store. “Hi folks. I’m Nick McCarty. Thank you for coming today. Anyone with a book already, I have my pen right here.”
The crowd in line near him heard his shouts, and started applauding. Nick began at the line’s front, shaking hands, conversing with the readers, and autographing books already carried by the people in line. They joked about the weather, the books, inspiration, plot points, and even typos noticed by the readers. Nick addressed questions regarding publishing, motivation, e-books, and the new publishing scourge, ‘Book Killers’. He took his time moving down the line, staying to give more than a hello, while welcoming questions. His signing and meeting idea allowed many people to have their already purchased books signed, along with the hoped for interaction with Nick.
Then it happened. Nick spotted him long before he reached that spot in the line. He had been expecting it, being the pessimist he was. Amidst energetic, smiling faces of fans ecstatic with Nick’s off the cuff interaction, a man slightly shorter than Nick, with a New York Yankee’s hoodie on stood silently without movement. As Nick drew nearer, he noted the slight bulge in the man’s right pocket. The constant movement of his hand inside the pocket convinced Nick he had a knife.
I should stop right now and go inside, Nick thought with a smile as he autographed books. That would be the smart move, but boring. Nick pictured all the factors involved, with the crowd’s safety something Nick considered, but ignored. He contemplated each move the man had in advance of getting into his range as he worked the line, including the reactions his adversary demonstrated while the other fans were speaking. The weird separation between recognition of a potential danger, and reaction to it threaded slowly into Nick’s mind as he worked the line of fans. Anticipation grew with each person in line as Nick drew closer. He always knew his life on earth would end with an unforeseen jab or shot. He smiled. This was not that time.
As Nick drew within two people of his hooded foe, Nick continued a running dialogue with people beyond and in front of the man. Nick noted his suspected thug kept his hands buried in the foul weather hoodie’s pockets, with head down, as if shunning the cold. He looked to note where Nick was, and found Nick staring at him with a smile. The recognition triggered a response. The knife flicked into full extended mode.
Nick stepped away from the line of people, hoping to isolate what followed from innocent bystanders, but also to provide space to react. The violent confrontation became a dance macabre with Nick’s adversary thrusting at Nick’s midsection. Nick lurched out of range, but struck with a roundhouse kick to the man’s ribcage. The kick struck with full power. The resulting crack sounded as a rib gave way. The man’s knife slipped from his grasp as he fell sideways, gasping for breath, writhing on the snow covered sidewalk.