“Sounds drastic,” Vera murmured.
They’d just entered Nevermore Books when Vera heard a loud gasp. Then a sheep stormed up to Marvel, glaring at the writer. “You!” she declared.
“Yes, that’s what I assumed, ma’am,” Bradley said, nonplussed by the sudden approach. “Care for a signature?”
Instead, the sheep tossed the copy of his novel onto the floor. “I do not care for a signature! You were supposed to come here on tour last year. I waited all day to see the great Bradley Marvel, and only to find that the event was canceled without warning! I’ll never read your books again. I bet they’re all terrible now anyway.”
Just as swiftly as she’d appeared, the sheep stormed off, like a fluffy, low-flying cloud of crackling rage. Vera half expected to see lightning bolts strike passersby.
Embarrassed on behalf of the town, she said, “Ah, sorry about that. She must have been a passionate fan to be so upset. I assure you that the Hollow’s residents are much more polite than that example.”
“Ah, I won’t lose sleep over it,” Marvel said. “Comes with the job.”
“She shouldn’t have said that—about your books being horrible, I mean. I’m sure they’re fantastic.” Vera had only read one, and did not find it fantastic, but she was too discreet to say so.
At this awkward moment, Vera had run out of polite chitchat and was relieved to see Lenore winging her way down from the upper level of the bookshop. Lenore landed near her friend and waited. Bradley Marvel was looking expectant. Vera realized that it was up to her to make introductions.
“Mr. Marvel,” she began politely, “this is Lenore Lee, the owner of Nevermore Books. And Lenore,” she continued, “this is Bradley Marvel, the author.”
The two creatures nodded at each other, and then Lenore took charge. “It’s such an honor to have you here in my shop, Mr. Marvel,” Lenore said smoothly. “We’re all set for your event tomorrow evening. Won’t you come with me?”
Lenore had dealt with many authors from beginners to the truly famous, and she treated them all with the same courtesy. Even if she had hated a particular writer’s latest novel, you would never know it from her demeanor. Lenore glanced over to where the cash register was located and saw a young mouse hovering nervously. The entire Chitters clan was extremely hardworking, and Lenore had been happy to hire Violet to help out in the bookshop part-time. The young mouse was a voracious reader and a huge fan of Bradley Marvel. Lenore gestured to her employee, and Violet came closer, staring at the ground.
“Mr. Marvel,” Lenore began the introduction, “this is Violet, my assistant. She can help with whatever you might require.”
“Hello there, young lady,” Bradley Marvel said brightly. He could not be bothered with remembering the names of shop assistants. Lenore realized this but Violet did not.
“Oh, Mr. Marvel,” the young mouse gushed, “I’m so excited to meet you! I’ve read all of your books!”
“That’s terrific,” the great wolf responded, looking over the mouse’s head to see who was listening.
Violet was far too nervous to continue speaking to her idol. Lenore stepped in and suggested that Bradley start presigning the stock so he wouldn’t have to sign so many tomorrow. This was something that authors often did at large events. He could quickly sign all the books with just his signature, and then after the event, he could personalize them for his fans. This saved a great deal of time as well as stress on the author’s paw.
Lenore indicated a table where piles of Marvel’s latest novel were stacked. There was also a book cart that was completely full of the new title. Nevermore Books was expecting a record crowd, and Lenore had ordered with abandon. She was counting on book sales to get her through until the holidays.
As the author settled himself in the chair in front of the table and glanced at the selection of pens for him to use, Violet went to his side and began flapping the books. She opened each book to the title page where Bradley Marvel was to sign, and placed the front part of the book jacket over the pages so that each book could be quickly and easily opened to the title page. This little method streamlined the signing process. It also helped Violet relax, giving her something to do with her paws when she was so close to her idol.
Bradley Marvel began to scrawl his signature on the many copies of his new book. Violet and Lenore worked quietly and efficiently beside him. Violet passed him a book open to the title page, Bradley scribbled his signature, and Lenore removed the book and placed it on an empty book cart. This was repeated again and again. The author began to regale his audience with stories about his many research trips and adventures around the globe. Lenore was listening politely, but Violet was enraptured. She was too nervous to say anything so Bradley Marvel had the floor. At one point, he got thirsty and asked for a beverage. Vera took this as an opportunity to escape the bookstore and volunteered to fetch one.
The author asked for a cappuccino, and Vera took off for the coffee shop with sigh of relief. How that wolf could talk about himself!
Joe’s Mug was relatively quiet when Vera entered. She waved a paw at Esme, who was refilling for a few customers. Then she went to the counter and said hello to Joe.
“How are you, Vera?” asked the moose. “I hear that Orville’s campaign is going well.”
“I hope so,” she replied, not adding that she’d had a spat with Orville and thus was not the most up-to-date on the news. “But now, I’m here to get coffee for our famous author. He wants a cappuccino. Can you throw in
