“Will do.” Nick and Gus walked over to the line of people who had been watching the police conversation with Nick. “Hi folks. Anyone with a book already, or wanting a handshake with the despicable creator of the character Diego, I’ll try and save you from having to wait in the cold. This is my partner Gus Nason. He’s the master mariner I based the character Jed on. In reality, he is Jed. He’s sailed the world, and in tighter spots than the one in ‘Caribbean Contract’, so if you have any boat questions, Gus is the man to ask.”
It didn’t take long for the crowded line to become engaged with the cold blooded killer and his accomplice. By the time Cassie Sedwick and Linda Mushet arrived, a celebratory block party was in full swing. A vender had arrived, seeing potential sales, and Nick ran a tab for everyone. Cassie and Linda looked at each other with New Yorkers’ eye to something either a terrific boost or a potential tragedy. Linda hurried inside the bookstore to make sure preparations for the signing had already been done, while Cassie waded into the Nick McCarty block party. Gus, supposedly the only reality star there, being the model for the assassin Diego’s accomplice Jed, had become the focus of attention and questions while Nick signed and shook hands. They posed for pictures, videos, and mockup fights with each other as well as folks in the crowd. The police officers were also enlisted to either pose or take pictures.
Cassie received the high sign from Linda, waving at the entrance to her, and forced the block party into order. Nick and Gus joined in a head down, recalcitrant child, frog march toward the bookstore entrance with Cassie riding herd on them to raucous laughter from the observers. Inside, the two men met the happy bookstore owner, security guards, and workers while settling into seats at the signing table surrounded by Nick’s novels. By the time the day ended, the bookstore owner had been forced to send a worker to get more books on consignment from other bookstores. Cassie stayed the entire day, while Linda left to report back to her bosses at the publishing house. The book signing block party made the evening news addition much to the amusement of Nick and Gus. At the end Nick handled the last patrons and tipped everyone working with him when the doors closed.
“That was incredible,” Cassie said. “It was the most amazing book signing I’ve ever attended. Your hand and arm must be falling off. With so many reading devices, this part of publishing with hardbound books is on its last legs. An author’s participation can surely extend the date of the demise though. The publicity from these two events will catapult you into bestselling heaven, Nick. You and ‘Jed’ here have a couple days off, and then we go to Stamford on Tuesday. Is there anything I can help you with before the Stamford signing?”
“Nope. ‘Jed’ and I are going to relax, walk Deke the dog, and pay attention to our significant others. Do we have everything ironed out on the Linda front?”
“She’s convinced. I don’t think you’ll be getting anymore editing demands about changing your style. That accomplishment alone made this trip worth it I bet.”
“Yeah… it did. Thanks for everything, Cas.” Nick gave her a hug as did Gus. Ten minutes later, the two were in the limousine with the Trump International their final destination for the day.
“I don’t know how you feel, but I’d like room service tonight with something other than what some chef thinks is fabulous food,” Gus said.
“I’m with you on that, brother. I’m going to pay someone extravagantly to make sure I have a huge wonderful salad, a kettle of Pasta e fagioli, and a loaf of Italian bread after I walk Deke. I also want two Long Island Iced Teas before my repast.”
“I like your thinking. Can I get that done while you walk around in the Central Park ice box? The snow hasn’t stopped for more than a couple hours. Are you sure it’s necessary to keep checking the park?”
“You forget Deke the sled dog. He’s not tired of the snow or the park yet. I will leave the meal and drink order in your capable hands then. At least we had time to take a look at the Kader family on your tablet in case I have to settle with them before they get deported. Sergeant Mora’s right. Alex didn’t get a sudden brain storm to kill me. He had to have been prepped. It was a good plan too. Alex could have stuck me, and disappeared in the chaos afterward. I have to say, I’m getting tired of Kaders popping up out of nowhere. I’m beginning to have evil thoughts concerning a possible ethnic cleansing.”
“Maybe this deportation will be the last of the problem,” Gus replied. “I understand your thinking though. By the way don’t play Batman in the park. If muggers hit on you, give them your money and send them on their way.”
“I don’t do Batman. I also don’t do innocent victim either.”
“I know, Muerto, but sometimes you need to turn the other cheek.”
“I only turn the other cheek to avoid blood spatter.”