Nick lowered his hand and shrugged. “Nice. How’s that workin’ out for you?”
The people within hearing distance, including the security guards chuckled at Nick’s rejoinder. Lokus’s hands tightened into fists. He took a step toward Nick as if to take a swing. Nick straightened, shaking his head.
“For shame, Lokus… for shame. You are contemplating violence. How can you be the beacon of peace and harmony with such hatred in your heart? For shame.”
Lokus appeared ready to explode through the roof of the building. His posture did not go unnoticed by the security guards. Two of them moved in next to him.
“If you want the book you have signed please give it to Mr. McCarty for a signature and then move along, Sir,” the older security guard with Chesney on his nametag told the man. “Otherwise, we’ll have to escort you out.”
Lokus threw the book on the floor which garnered him a two hand grip on both arms as he was guided away. He twisted toward Nick. “This isn’t over! You’ll be sorry!”
Nick clapped his hands. “Let’s all give Lokus a round of applause. What a good sport.”
The people in line clapped and enjoyed the frog march of Lokus as he continued his shouted threats all the way to the door.
“It just wouldn’t be a McCarty book signing without a couple of special enthusiastic critics. Don’t worry. If any of you want to blast me for any reason about the novels, believe me, you won’t hurt my feelings. I will try to answer any and all criticisms politely. I only ask that you have read the book you wish to blast me on. Let’s get ‘er done.”
The rest of the signing, which at Lokus’s appearance had Cassie at the parameter of the signing with worried looks and wringing hands, progressed the rest of the way without incident. The signing finished only fifteen minutes late. No one was turned away. Cassie joined the Unholy Trio as they gathered their personal belongings.
“That was fabulous, Nick! We did very well and only one real heckler. I don’t count the first lady because she was right.”
“I know that and I wasn’t making fun of her. I thought she might lecture us for an hour. That’s cruel and unusual punishment. I’ll call today a win and we’ll be back day after tomorrow, same time, same station. Do you have any plans for dinner? You can eat with us. We’d be glad to have you, Cass.”
“No, I’m going back to New York. One of my apprentices will be here in my stead if that’s okay with you, Nick.”
“No problem. It must get boring as hell waiting around here with us all day. We can’t even get our families to do it with us. We’re going to Salem on the Ferry tomorrow morning to see all the witch stuff.”
“That’s a beautiful trip on the ferry, and there are plenty of things to see in Salem. Most of the tours are hokey but informative. I’m sure Jean will like it. Didn’t you say she has a friend with her too this trip?”
“Yes, and they’re both excited about Salem. After dinner tonight, we’re going on the ‘Ghosts and Gravestones’ haunted tour of Boston. We heard that’s fun. We didn’t get a chance to do it the last time we were here for a signing.”
“It’s okay. The kids should like it. Go to the bathroom before you leave on it. They don’t stop for bathroom breaks.”
“Good tip, thanks. We’re being complete tourists tonight. We’re even going in the ‘Cheers’ bar from the TV show for an after tour drink.”
Cassie smiled and nodded. “It’s good you’re having fun this trip, Nick. You three better get moving if you want to catch the last ‘Ghosts’ tour. If I remember right, it starts at nine.”
“We’re stopping by this little Italian pizza and sandwich place, eating real quick and heading on tour. I already texted Rachel. She’s on her way over with everyone right now.”
“I’ll give you a call after the next signing. The intern’s name is Beth Givens. She’ll be here when you arrive. She loves your Diego series.”
“Fine with me. We’ll be here around noon on Saturday. I guess the crowd will be even larger, huh?”
“Yep. The manager would like you to sign until nine if that’s okay,” Cassie told him with a grimace as if expecting to anger Nick.
“I’m good with that. Gus and John may not want to stay though.”
“I’m staying,” Gus said. “There were a lot more boat people than before. They all said they came because Jed would be here.”
“I liked it also,” John agreed. “I hope there will be more BK’s and grammar Nazis though.”
“I won’t share that hope with you, John.” Cassie waved on her way to the door.
*
As Nick led his group into the crowded Cheers bar past the life sized cardboard cutouts of the ‘Cheers’ TV show stars, Gus hurried alongside him.