Gus discussed nautical questions with nearly every reader in line, as the fact he had been Nick’s inspiration for the seafaring Jed in the Diego novels became public knowledge after the book signings in the East and South. Since Jed threaded into many scenes in both Caribbean Contract and Assassin’s Folly, people at the book signing asked about the dangerous boat maneuvers in the novels. Nick based his characters Diego and Jed’s seafaring scenes on real life missions he and Gus crewed together. Since incorporating Gus into the book signings, the interactions improved with each new venue. The rumors and news headlines concerning Nick’s consulting with local and federal law enforcement entities on important cases also improved the interactions with readers. With Tina, Rachel, and Jean shopping together in Olympia, Nick and Gus were on their own.
Nick loved watching the people in line waiting their turns. Most within hearing range listened intently to the conversations between Nick, Gus, and the person at the line’s front. Nick signed quickly any way he was directed by the fan, then allowed for conversation and more signings while conversing. Nick’s affable manner, and relaxed style discussing multiple plot points or scenes drew small groups around the signing table. If someone felt uncomfortable sharing in a small discussion, the reader could wait for a one on one Nick signing. The book signing was definitely not an author speed signing books without even looking up. Nick noticed the small group did not slow the line. In fact the fans seemed to know when their time should end. They moved on without incident. The few exceptions were spoken to quietly by the bookstore attendants.
A man gripping a copy of Caribbean Contract waited until the cluster of fans in front of him left so he would have a one on one signing opportunity. Nick noted the grim expression on his face as he approached the signing table. Slender of build, middle thirties by Nick’s estimation, dressed in jeans and navy blue windbreaker, he threw the Caribbean Contract novel aside on the table.
“I don’t want a signature,” the man stated in a tenor voice loud enough to be heard by nearly everyone in the store. His statement quieted the chatter nearby as other store patrons stopped what they were doing. “I only grabbed a book because I figured they wouldn’t let me get near you without one.”
Gus tensed, and one of the security guards moved closer. Nick grinned at the man with his hands flat on the table in front of him. “Well… uh… what can I do for you then?”
“I read strictly on my Kindle. Your novels suck. It’s incredible you’ve held any position on any bestseller list with the garbage you write.”
Although a murmur of discontent rumbled through the crowd, a hush as everyone seemed to wait for Nick’s reply led to a silent moment before Nick began laughing. Gus looked on somewhat uneasily, while many in the crowd laughed too because Nick did.
“Oh… you think this is funny?”
Nick responded after a few more seconds of enjoyment. “Yeah, I guess I do. Thanks for stopping by.”
“I’m not done with you yet!”
That statement drew the security guard to the man’s side, but Nick waved him off with a smile. “It’s okay, Ken. I have this.”
“I’ll be right here, Nick,” the security guard replied.
“Have you reviewed any of my novels, Sir,” Nick asked the man.
“Of course I’ve reviewed the trash. I’m Bongo97. You’ve taken it upon yourself to insult my reviews in the Amazon reviews and comments section. I’m here today to face you in the flesh.”
Nick turned to Gus. “You were right, Gus. We attracted a Book Killer for John’s enjoyment.” He faced Bongo 97 again. “I recognize your handle. I’m always polite with you, Bongo. You’re what we call a ‘Book Killer’. For some reason only you know, instead of reading the preview Amazon supplies and avoiding novels you find beneath you, like mine, you engage in one star hit pieces in hopes of killing sales. Since Amazon allows such practices in spite of the lengthy ‘Look Inside’ preview feature they supply, which should eliminate one star hit pieces altogether, I choose to interact with my BK attackers. It’s kind of neat to have one attend in person to a signing.”
Bongo pointed a finger at Nick. “Your comments held me up to ridicule from your troll supporters. How dare you attack a reader’s honest review!”