Leather Bound Read online

  Contents

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  You've Reached The End!

  PM: Chapt 1

  PM: Chapt 2

  PM: Chapt 3

  Afterword: First And Fear

  Dedicated To My Wonderful Wife Elizabeth Robinson

  Chapter 1

  “Everyone line up over here. Single file if you can. Have your books ready, Mr. Mason will sign your books, pose for a photo if you’d like and then we'll direct you to the exit.” The voice of the book store owner hushed the large crowd. He stepped back behind the table and crouched down. “Thanks for doing this Tom.”

  “My pleasure Barry.” He said.

  “Did you expect a turn out like this?”

  “I didn’t know what to expect. I guess social media does wonders for writers now days.”

  “You’ve got that right.” Barry said as he stood back up. He motioned to a security guard. The guard opened a gate and let the first ten people through. Tom watched as they approached, preparing for all the usual questions he’d heard over the last six years.

  “Mr. Mason, it’s so good to meet you.”

  “Thanks for joining us tonight. Who do I make this out to?”

  “Jennifer.”

  “Awe, that’s cool, that’s my wife’s name.”

  “Yeah, I realize that.” The girl said. “I’ve read all of your books.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  He signed the book and pointed her toward the exit. The next man walked up and sat his book on the table.

  “Thanks for coming tonight, who do I make this out to?”

  “My name is John. I can’t believe that you’re releasing your tenth book already.”

  “It’s been a wild ride. Thanks to you guys, and self-publishing, I’ve managed to make it to where I am.”

  “Do you have any advice for writers’ breaking into the business?”

  “Don’t rush it and don’t produce shit. If you can do those things you’ll find ground to stand on.”

  “Thanks, sir.” The man picked up the book and went on his way. Tom continued to sign, talk, pose, and sign more. He was excited, it was his tenth novel and in his mind it was one of his best. He went through close to three hundred people answering various questions, then his favorite question was asked.

  The older lady came up to the table and sat her book down. She had a huge smile glued to her face.

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Mason.”

  “Likewise,” He paused. “Who do I make this out to?”

  “Jackie. Sir, I have to ask, what inspired this? It’s dark, but almost realistic. Like you have your own demon’s you don’t let out.”

  “You could say that.” Tom said with a smile

  “Are we ever going to get a peek behind the curtain into how you think?”

  Tom paused. That was something that most people didn’t care to know, but he realized this woman was one of those that Jason, his agent, called True fans.

  “One day I’d like to say that it’s possible but for now, I’m going to just keep writing fiction. As long as people like you keep wanting to read it.”

  “Don’t worry, as long as you keep writing, I’m sure that we’ll keep reading.” She picked up her book and left. Tom looked up after her and realized that though he’d been there almost two hours already, there was still a hefty line left. Barry came over and crouched down behind the table again.

  “We can end the signing if you want.”

  “Not a chance. These people came all this way to meet me. I’m going to sit here and sign books and meet everyone so they go home happy. But, can I get some water?”

  “I’m on it.” Barry got up and went toward the back. Tom looked up and greeted the next wave of incoming book lovers. He smiled and got his hand and pen ready.

  Chapter 2

  Once the last person was out the door Tom stood up. He heard his knees and back pop. He looked at his watch.

  “You’ve been out here for about four and a half hours, give or take.” The voice came from behind him. He turned and saw his wife, Jennifer, smiling at him. “You couldn’t let them go away unhappy could you.”

  “If I ever had, do you think we’d be in the position we’re in?”

  She shrugged. “I suppose you have a point.”

  He smiled, leaned in, and kissed her. He loved his wife more then words could express. In fact she was part of the reason he could make his living as a writer. He put an arm around her and they went back to the back of the store where there was a small room set up for him. They sat down on the chairs.

  “So what’s next?”

  “I’ve got a few more stops to make up the coast. Then we can fly back home. I hope by then Jason will have something for me. I’m not holding my breath on that though.”

  “Do you think he’ll be able to work that fast?”

  “I don’t know. He’s done it in the past.”

  “If not?”

  “If he doesn’t then I guess I get back to work on the next project. I’ve still got dozens of ideas I haven’t so much as touched yet.”

  Tom looked at her, there was something in her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

  “You’ve been on this loop almost nonstop for the past three years. I’m happy for you. Hell I’m happy for us, that we’ve come so far. It’s been a hard road to get here for sure. Don’t you think maybe it’s time you take a second to stop and enjoy the life you’ve made?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean that you haven’t taken a chance to enjoy your life since you’ve made decent money. When was the last time we went on vacation? When was the last time we got away from the grind and spent time together, just us?”

  Tom hadn’t thought about it, but it had been a while.

  “Look, I’m not asking for you to not pack a computer and bring it with us wherever we go. I understand that it’s part of your blood, you’re going to write. However, I am saying that I’d like to spend time away from all of this.” She motioned around the room. “Not that it’s bad but it’s been crazy.”

  He reached across the table and took her hand.

  “When I talk to Jason in a few days if he doesn’t have meetings or anything else lined up for me, then we can take some time away. I won’t start the next book until we come back. Who knows, maybe I’ll get good ideas while we’re gone.”

  She smiled. “You mean it?”

  “Of course, I mean it. I love you.”

  She came around the table and hugged him, unable to contain her joy. As she did he looked at his watch over her
shoulder. “Let’s go get dinner and we’ll drive. We’ve got a little ways to go before the next stop tomorrow.”

  She smiled. “Sounds like a plan.”

  Chapter 3

  “Goodnight.” She said rolling over to give him a kiss.

  “Goodnight.” He laid there in the darkness and stared at the ceiling. The events from the previous day was running through his head. He loved his wife, and would do anything he could to make her happy. Taking a vacation though that wasn’t in his plans for the coming year.

  But you owe her.

  Tom shook the voice out of his head. The last time they had taken a vacation was almost 5 years before that, on their honeymoon.

  Tom laid there thinking over everything, sleep wouldn’t be coming anytime soon. The third story view was refreshing from where he was now sitting. He went onto the balcony and closed the door behind him. The air was humid but not horrible. He took a seat in one of the metal chairs and rested his feet up on the balcony.

  There was a noise beside him. He turned to look but nothing was there.

  “Why the hell are you always thinking about the past? Can’t you leave well enough alone? It happened, deal with it.”

  He sat quiet. He heard the wind blow again, but this time he was sure he heard something else. Almost like crying. He took another deep breath and shook his head.

  “It’s because I know if I’m not careful, it will happen again. We couldn’t make it through that twice.”

  The wind blew again but this time it didn’t get his attention. He was far too lost in thought as he rocked back in the metal chair. Tom smiled realizing how far he’d come.

  “You started at the bottom, come from nothing, and finally found something you excel at. You’ve made a life out nothing. You're a rock star.”

  He laughed at himself. As he did, he heard the sliding door open. He turned and looked at Jennifer.

  “What are you doing?” Jennifer asked him.

  “I couldn’t sleep.”

  “What are you thinking about?”

  “Just life, and how we got to where we are now.”

  “Kind of crazy when you think about it.”

  “Yeah, yeah it is.”

  “Do you ever wonder about them?” She asked him

  “About who?”

  “Your parents?”

  There was a long pause. “No, I assume that if they didn’t want me that’s fine I don’t have to know them. It stings a little every now and then but it usually doesn’t bother me.”

  “It’s that, that makes you the strongest man I know.”

  “Thanks, but I don’t think that’s accurate either.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “If I could control my temper….” He trailed off, but he didn’t need to say anything. She understood.

  “That’s one of those things that's in the past, let’s leave it there.”

  “Do you hate me for it?”

  “I did for a while. Nightmares still tear me up from time to time, and I wonder what could have been. In those moments, I hate you again but I also know there’s nothing we can do about it now. And while it was hard, it’s not worth losing us over.”

  She reached out and took his hand. Tom took her hand and squeezed while looking out over the city. She walked away pulling him with her “Come on, you have a big day tomorrow. We’ve only got a couple more stops to make and we can get back home and get ready for this vacation.”

  He heard the excitement in her voice. He got to his feet and followed her inside. They cuddled together as they drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter 4

  “Man, I missed this place.” Tom said as they walked through the door.

  “We were gone for two weeks.”

  “Still, two weeks on the road and in hotel bedrooms just isn’t the best thing for the human body.”

  She laughed. “At least the publisher paid for those rooms.”

  He reached into the fridge and pulled out a bottle of wine and got two glasses from the cupboard as she said this. He poured them each one. “My lady you are correct. That’s because Jason does his job.” He handed her off a glass. “To a successful launch.”

  They toasted and drank.

  “Speaking of Jason, don’t you have a meeting with him?”

  “Later this afternoon. He called me this morning making sure we’d be able to make it.”

  “Did he mention anything?”

  “No, but I’ll find out today.”

  “Just remember that promise.” She said.

  “Don’t worry, I will.”

  ****

  He walked into Jason’s office at 2:30 that afternoon. He was met by a secretary.

  “Hello Mr. Mason. Good to see you. Mr. Smith is in a meeting, is he expecting you?”

  “Yeah, but I’m a little early. Just let him know I’m here.”

  “I can do that, sir.”

  He walked over and sat in one of the chairs and waited a few minutes before Jason’s door opened. Jason walked out shaking hands with another man. After the other guy had left Jason turned and saw Tom sitting there. He walked over with a giant smile.

  “Hello, my friend.” He stuck his hand out and shook Tom’s. “It’s damn good to see you.”

  “I can say the same.”

  “Come on, why are you still standing here. Let’s go into my office and have a chat.”

  Jason closed the door then took a seat across from Tom. He smiled and put his hands on the desk.

  “I’m glad you could get here today I have some news.”

  Tom looked at him with curiosity. “What’s that?”

  “There’s two pieces of information I’d like to share.”

  Tom leaned back and looked at him. “Okay?”

  “First, I have the paperback rights to 'The World Within' sold.”

  Tom smiled wide. “Seriously, that was quick.”

  Jason laughed. “Yeah, they came knocking at the door whenever the book sat at the top of the #1 bestseller list for the last three weeks.”

  “I have to admit that I’m proud of this book.”

  “It shows and the people are eating it up. That reminds me how did the tour go?”

  “Good, I sold quite a few copies at each stop. Tell Jodi thanks for putting us up in the hotels. I know that wasn’t easy for a publisher her size.”

  “Don’t worry, I know she was happy to do it, especially if you sold that many books. She walked out a winner too.”

  Tom laughed. “That’s good, so what’s the next part of the big news.”

  “Well, you won’t have to worry about Jodi anymore.”

  Tom looked at him puzzled. “What do you mean?”

  “All of this success has brought you to the attention of Doubleday Publishing.”

  “I wait… what?”

  “Yeah, they want to pick up your books. In fact, they have already sent over a contract they want you to take a look at.”

  “I assume you’ve done that?”

  Jason smiled. “What kind of agent would I be if I hadn’t?”

  “And?”

  “And… it’s one of the best contracts I’ve ever received for a client.”

  Tom leaned back. “So what are the highlights?”

  “In a nutshell, it’s a hybrid publishing contract.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “They’re allowing you to continue to publish your E-books like you have in the past. But they will pick up your physical novels. They’ll give you an advance and help with the hardcover, and paperback distribution. It’s the best of both worlds for sure.”

  “That’s amazing.”

  “Yeah, but there was one catch.”

  “Okay?”

  “They’re requesting that you have your next book ready in the next two months.”

  “Holy shit!” Tom said taken back.

  “Yeah, I told them I didn’t know if that was possible. I think you can do it but it is a quick turn around considering y
ou just finished 'The World Within'”

  “Yeah, I don’t know. What’s the advance on the contract?”

  “They’re offering you a $400,000 per book for the first three. They’ve also included an option for a fourth. I’m sure by that point though if your sales stay high you can get more.”

  “And the royalties?”

  “You’ll get 15% on all of the hardcovers sold. Plus you’ll retain all the E-book rights so all of that money will be yours.”

  “So I stand to make a good amount of money on this deal.”

  “For sure, the problem becomes that they can dictate when they want the next book. That’s something you haven’t had to deal with in the past.”

  Tom folded his hands and sat his chin on them staring at Jason.

  “You know we’ve been friends for a while. I love your writing and I know you can make a ton of money for the both of us, either way. If it were up to me though, I’d take the deal. I think it will help you get in front of more readers and at the end of the contract if you decide you want to go back, you can.”

  Tom leaned back and thought about it. “Do I have to decide now?”

  “You don’t have to, no, but I’d suggest you do soon. I’m not sure how long they’ll keep this offer on the table and I don’t want you to miss it. What’s stopping you?”

  “A vacation I promised Jennifer. She’s worried about me, maybe about us. I’m not sure but I know I’ve been running crazy since this whole thing started. I’m glad for it all I just want to do something for her.”

  “Just so you know, this is a once in a lifetime chance.”

  “How about this, I’ll talk to Jen tonight, and get back to you tomorrow?”

  Jason nodded. “That’s fair. I’ll wait to hear from you.” He stood up and stuck his hand out again. Tom got up and shook it.

  “Always a pleasure.”

  “Likewise my friend.” Tom said.

  “I look forward to hearing from you.” Jason called after Tom as he left the office closing the door behind him.

  Chapter 5

  Tom drove home, he tried to wrap his head around the offer on the table in front of him. A guarantee of over a million dollars… He’d done well for himself but that was the biggest amount of money he had been promised since he’d published the first novel.