“Put the knives away, kids,” Nick whispered. Jean and Sonny did as they were told. Gus holstered his Glock.
“Why the hell didn’t you shoot him,” Gus asked as silence in the aftermath became nearly palpable.
“Even my Colt may not have stopped him from using the knife. He was too close. Watch the crowd, Gus. We don’t know if he’s the only one.” Nick held up his hands while moving around the desk to address the crowd. “I’m sorry about this. I’ll come to you and sign your books until the police get here. I’m afraid we’ll all have to stay until they get this sorted out.”
There were cheers and applause while Nick talked with the security guards. “We didn’t expect anything like this obviously.”
“Hell of a move, Nick. I called it in. We thought this was just a book signing. Imagine our surprise. How many agencies do we call in on this? You have more experience than us Carmel cops.”
“Just locals until the suspect is identified. I’ll work the crowd. Might as well sell some books. It will relax folks a little.”
“Are you armed, Nick?”
“Yeah, I am, Ben. You and Dick deserve a bonus for this gig. I’ll take care of you.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“I know, but if you only knew how many novels this incident will sell, you’d know the bonus will be well worth it.” Nick shook his head. “This is going to be a mess.”
“Yep.”
Chapter Fourteen
Al-Saud
“Some book signing,” Rachel said as everyone sat on the deck together eating pizza. “I should take the rap for this since it was me who mentioned Muslim nutso attacks.”
“You should have seen it, Mom! Dad smashed him in the nose and he was dead,” Jean said with much excitement. “Sonny saw it too.”
“I’ve seen it close and personal,” Rachel said. “Is it over, Nick?”
“All we have right now is it was the media manufactured ‘Lone Wolf’ attack. Word is it’s my fault for portraying murderous Muslims as murderous Muslims in my novels. I’m supposed to be informed about his identity the moment they know who the guy is. He’s not on any database in this country. They’ve sent fingerprints and pictures out on the wire overseas. If they had let Gus and I get near the body, we’d have learned who it was in an hour if we’d been allowed to take his fingerprints and picture. Once we’re updated on the details, we’ll find out if he was just another whacko Islamist. He put a new definition on the tag ‘book killer’.”
“What about Pilgrim’s Way Books,” Rachel asked.
“They don’t want anything to do with Muerto’s book signings,” Gus said. “I’m betting when they make a tidy sum selling his novels that Muerto will be a welcomed guest once again.”
“The book signing was the best,” Jean said. “Everyone wanted books. No one even cared about the dead body.”
“Oh boy…” Rachel began when Nick’s phone rang.
“John?”
“Hey, Nick,” John Harding greeted him. “Kabong told us about your book signing just before the news broadcast hit. Anything further on the mutt who attacked you?”
“Not yet. I think it’s a solo crazy, but they’re all being brainwashed to kill at any provocation. I had Jean and her friend with me so I’m not real happy.”
“I can imagine. If you learn it’s a wider threat count us in.”
“I will, brother. I forgot to tell Kabong when Gus and I called him earlier about going to the sand later this week. Gus and Rachel have your number. If something bad starts here, I’ll have them speed dial you Monsters.”
“Absolutely. The Pilot Hill landing zone has already been constructed. Denny said it’s large enough for a Harrier jet landing. Laredo says it’s been a while since he flew a Harrier. We’re signed to get a refresher course. It starts in a month. Want to join us?”
“I sure do. Denny didn’t waste any time getting the LZ installed. I guess he wants the secret Monster Launch Pad running ASAP, huh?”
“That’s the plan. They’re finished with the armaments for the Ranger too, including a ‘Faraday Cage’ shielding all electronics. We may have to plan a cruise soon.”
“Count us in. I’ll tell Gus. How’s the filming going?”
“Very well. Reeducation camp for Nardo proceeded as planned. Lynn and Kabong will be doing final takes tomorrow. Sam and Janie will be there to accept transfer of the prisoner. Call me before you leave for the sand, brother.”
“Will do.” Nick disconnected, turning to his family and friends. “You probably heard parts of that. They have the Ranger armaments finished, Gus. We may be doing some cruising soon.”