Recluse Island

Chapter 43

Present

June 2049

"Mia, slow down!"

            Ignoring Sabrina, Mia continued hurrying up the curving staircase in Beverly Ann Library.

            "Can't. We're late," Mia called over her shoulder gasping slightly for breath as the two had just run in from the parking lot.

            "For Asher Tibbles." Sabrina huffed from behind her. "Who cares? It's not like you really want his autograph."

            "In order to get him to let his guard down and tell us what he knows he needs to think we respect him and being on time shows that." Mia explained for what seemed like the hundredth time.

            "I should have stayed at the villa with Mona," grumbled Sabrina just as they reached the top of the staircase.

            Today was the book signing of Asher Tibbles. Something Mia wasn't ashamed to admit she had been eagerly anticipating. Mia was extremely interested to meet the man who had gained fame and fortune by exploiting an island and its people without ever getting to know who they were and what they stood for.

Before leaving Thomanisse Town, Emmy and Nelson had both sat her down to lecture her on her expected "good behavior" and the understanding she was not to get involved in any altercations with Mr. Tibbles whom while they did not approve of his past actions was nonetheless to be treated with respect. Mia assured them she would be a "perfect angel," and if there was anyone, they should be worried about it was Sabrina. But all Millie had said to her was not to get taken in by his good-natured personality and if possible, spill some coffee on his lap. Though Mia didn't mind pointing out if it wasn't for their good intentioned "talk" they wouldn't be late right now!

            As expected, when they rounded the corner, breathing heavily as they tried to catch their breath, there was only a small crowd present, all women naturally. Tibbles was now almost sixty and as already mentioned quite good looking for his age. He was of average height with black hair that just hinted at the temples of gray with affectionate crinkles around his equally alluring blue eyes and unfortunately in Mia's opinion a rather nice smile. He wore black dress pants and a handsome green shirt snugly fitting his body. Surrounding him around the table he was provided was a handful of middle-aged women. Copies of his book were stacked on either side of him, which for the record Mia had gotten from the library to read.

            "So, what's the plan?" Sabrina whispered as they made their way over to Tibbles.

            "Just let me do the talking," advised Mia.

            Mia was sure Tibbles would have no idea who she was. After all it's not like she resembled Emmy or Nelson.

            "You write with such devotion." One of the women was saying as they approached. She was Tibbles typical draw, fifties, overweight with a bad sunburn and a slight mustache.

            "Thank you, Loretta," Tibbles responded, handing back her now signed copy of his book. "You're such a sweetheart for saying so."

            Loretta turned red and began to giggle.

            "Oh please," mumbled Sabrina.

            "Shh!" Mia hissed as Loretta moved out of the way and they were able to step up to the table.

            "Well hello girls," said Tibbles warmly, clearly relieved to have fans that were under the age of sixty.

            "Hello," said Sabrina stiffly.