by Melissa Keir
“It sounds thrilling.”
“His comics are realistic because he served in the military for four years in Afghanistan and used drawing to help him deal with the issues he developed from being over there.” He stopped on the sidewalk and stared at the large building in front of them. “Now, I get to meet him. We’re here!”
Anthony grabbed her hand and tugged on her. “Hurry up, Mom.”
She smiled. “It’s okay. She glanced at the watch on her wrist. The event doesn’t open for fifteen minutes. I’m sure they won’t let us in early.”
He continued to pull. “But look.”
A large number of people, some in costume, stood in two lines. One wound around the front along the side of the building. “Oh no. I don’t want to stand in there for hours.”
“See? We should have left earlier.” He dropped her hand and shuffled his feet. “We’ll never get in, and I’ll miss the private event with Tony Steele.”
Carina put her arm around his shoulders. “Let’s go see which line we need to stand in. Maybe the long one is for people who don’t have their tickets yet. We have ours, remember?”
They strolled toward the building. Carina hated seeing his defeated expression. She hadn’t realized the event would be this busy. Who would have thought so many people would attend an event where the focus was comics? She raised her eyes to the sky and said a prayer. Hopefully, they wouldn’t have to wait long, even if they did have to stand in the line.
As they approached the building, Carina took stock of two windows near the doors of the convention center. The long line led to the ticket window. She pulled Anthony into the shorter one, for will call. “This should be us.”
He looked to the left. “Are you sure?”
“No. But I’m willing to give it a go. The guy from the radio said our tickets were waiting. It looks like those people haven’t bought theirs yet.” She angled her head toward the other one.
Within ten minutes they were standing at the window. “Carina Cane. WWKIM-99FM ticket winner.” She passed her driver’s license under the glass.
The young man glanced at the document then pulled an envelope from a pile on his left. He passed the envelope and her driver’s license back through under the glass. “These are your tickets. They’re on lanyards. Please wear them at all times. Also in there are the passes for the special Tony Steele panel and photo shoot.” He slid a piece of paper to them. “Here’s a map of the convention floor. If you need any further assistance once inside, please visit the concierge desk near the lobby entrance.”
“Thank you.” Carina tucked her license back into her bag and lifted the two lanyard tickets from the envelope. She handed one to her son and slipped the other around her neck. “That didn’t take too long. Are you ready?”
He nodded.
“Just don’t leave my side. I don’t want to be separated from you. I don’t know how crowded it will be in there.” She couldn’t hide the nervousness in her voice. Anthony was her world. Every decision she made was for his best interests. Carina couldn’t imagine what she’d do if something happened to him.
He rolled his eyes at her. “Mom.”
“Don’t you get sassy with me. I’m the mom, and don’t you forget it.”
He flashed a smile. “Yes, ma’am. Can we go already?”
She nodded, and the two of them strode toward the doors. They entered the atrium to find a crush of people. More were in costumes, acting out scenes. Goth princesses, Strange animals, and more than a dozen Stormtroopers.
Carina glanced at her son. His eyes were wide. She knew hers must be the same. As they pushed through the throng, Anthony pulled out his cell phone and took photos. “Did you see the person dressed as Master Chief from Halo?”
“Which one was that?” Carina looked around.
“Aw, Mom.” Anthony continued snapping photos as Carina followed her son.
“Let’s stop by the door over there and take a look at what they gave us. We can see what time the panel starts and the location of the different places you want to visit. Sound good?” She wished she had a flashing beacon she could attach to her son. With the crowd, she was convinced she’d lose him at some point today then what would she do? Was there a lost child area like at Disney? How would she even be able to see him among all these people? “If we do get separated at some point, remember to call my cell phone. We should plan on a meeting place, just in case.” She hated the panicked sound of her voice. “And you remember to not leave with anyone else or accept food or drink from a stranger, right?”
“How old do you think I am?” Anthony stood with his hands on his hips and glared at her.
If she knew how to survive the teenage years, she’d be a millionaire. But, for now, she just wanted to survive this event. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m being crazy but…” She swung her arm around the space. “This is a bigger crowd than we’re used to, and things happen. Be careful, okay?”
“Fine. Can I see the schedule?” He held out his hand.
Carina riffled through the envelope and came across two more passes on lanyards for the panel. She pulled them out and handed one to Anthony along with the schedule. “You can look at this. I’m going to check out the layout of the venue.” The event encompassed the two levels of the convention center with the second one for the panels and specialty game rooms, while the main area hosted the shopping and food court. With bathrooms on both and passes required for the upper-floor rooms, she relaxed and released the breath she’d been holding. “Did you figure out the time for the Tony Steele panel?”
“Yes. It begins at 10:30 in room 212.”
“All right.” She glanced at her watch. “Looks like we have about an hour and a half. Do you check out the main floor for that time?”
“Sure.” He slipped the second lanyard around his neck.
“With over one hundred vendors, I doubt we will see them all in the hour and half, but we can see more after the panel session.” She nodded toward the set of four doors and security guards at the entrance to the main floor. “Ready?”
“You bet!”
Carina slung her purse over her shoulder and followed her son into the venue.
Chapter Six
Tony had met dozens of fans, shaken hands, and signed purchased comics as well as plenty of other merchandise. His friend’s broad smile told him sales were good. His buddy had dollar signs in his eyes. Happy to know the event was productive, Tony took a deep breath. He hoped his panel went as well. He’d planned on showcasing the new comic hitting shelves in two months as well as introducing the female character he’d been working on earlier. He enjoyed getting feedback from the audience. Their excitement boosted his own.
He ran his tongue over his bottom lip as he finished the final lines on the new female SEAL image. Other than Mike, the audience at the panel would be the first ones to catch a glimpse of her. Earning their approval would be the frosting on the cake. Buff, violent but caring and patriotic men were the staple of his comics. They served to protect the country and the people in it. Saving a few small children and puppies also helped boost their likability. Introducing a woman into the culture was a risk but one he needed to take.
Tony slid the image into his portfolio cover and grabbed his sketchpad and pencils. He stuffed those into his backpack where the rest of his materials were stored then slid the sack over his shoulder.
“See you after lunch, Mike.”
Mike nodded. “Break a leg.”
Tony shook his head. “I think that’s for actors on stage. Not comic artists.” He waved as he headed away from the booth.
After strolling through the exhibit floor, he approached the stairs to the second level. A young man and his mother were on the stairs going down. Tony paused for a moment and watched the boy pull a Star Wars lightsaber from a bag and scream at his mother. Without missing a beat, the woman withdrew her own from behind her back. The two lightsabers met on the stairs as bystanders’ laughter echoed. The mock du
el drew more onlookers as the two battled it out.
In one split second, the boy’s foot slid off the step. He started to tumble. Tony dropped his backpack and portfolio case and raced to reach him before the child could be hurt. However, the mother also reacted in an instant, capturing her son in her arms but losing both lightsabers. Seeing that the boy was upset but safe, Tony picked up the toys and returned them to the guy and his mom. “Here you go. I know a good Jedi always needs his lightsaber.”
The mother beamed. “Thank you. Guess we were too caught up in our game. I appreciate you jumping to our rescue.” She released her son but kept her hand on his shoulder.
The little boy reached out for the return of the toys then turned toward the items sitting on the stairs. “Looks like you dropped something, too.”
Tony waited until the child took the toys then picked up his own pack and portfolio. “Yep. I’d better get going. I’ve got a meeting.” Returning his gaze to the mother and son, Tony smiled. Someday I’ll have kids. It can’t be too late for me. I’m not an old man, yet. I suppose it’d work better if I found a woman first. He shook his head. Would anyone measure up to his first love?
Taking the remaining stairs two at a time, Tony reached the second floor. He jogged down the hall until he reached the assigned room for his presentation then glanced at the clock on the wall. Not too late. I’d better get set up.
Tony stood behind the stage area and mentally rehearsed his speech while the first fans filed into their seats. He hoped they would enjoy his presentation. He’d already checked and double-checked the electronics. The show would be recorded so he could share it to his website and reach fans beyond those in the Chancellor Room. The announcer’s voice rang out loud and clear.
“Showtime.” Tony hit the play button on his presentation and the audience went wild.
***
Anthony dragged Carina to the room fifteen minutes early. He chattered nonstop about trying to catch a moment of Tony Steele’s time before the show. She loved her son’s passion for reading, even though other people mocked if comic books were “real” books. As a teacher, she saw many boys choosing no books at all. They became disillusioned with school in general unless talking about sports. She wanted more for her son.
Being here was his dream. Meeting his hero would be the highlight of his year. She’d hoped to sit in the back corner where she could pull her romance novel from her purse and enjoy a little time with Prince Edward and the Countess of Leagues. She tried to read each night, but with the end of the term approaching, her grading had gotten in the way. Currently, the prince was trying to convince the countess of his sincerity and devotion. If a prince would sweep me off my feet. I’d love to have someone cook and clean for me…and shower me with flowery words describing my beauty.
It was just Carina’s luck that Anthony wanted to be front and center. She’d tried to convince him to sit near the back, but he wouldn’t agree. Stubborn. Wonder where he got that from? She trailed her gaze over his dark curly hair. He’d been born with a full head of dark hair. She swore it had been what had given her heartburn during the final month of her pregnancy.
His blue eyes were all hers, but the hair was his father’s. Those curls didn’t come from her side. Carina thought back to the time she’d been dating his dad, when love was all that mattered. Her fingers could still feel his silken locks, and she recalled his kisses.
When Anthony was a baby, Carina had looked at her son for hours, categorizing his features as hers or his father’s. Such a shame Anthony’s dad never got to meet him, but she’d done what she’d thought was right for all of them.
Carina clenched her hands into fists. Her nails bit into her palms, sending a wave of pain to counteract the ache in her heart. Regrets? Yep, I have them. She glanced at her son once again. But I’d do it all over again to have him in my life.
The lights dimmed as “The Star-Spangled Banner” played. Carina shoved her thoughts into the past where they belonged and focused on the stage. She wanted to be able to talk to Anthony about the event on the drive home.
Images flashed across a screen. They were men in uniform and must have been part of the Tony Steele comics by the enthusiastic screams and shouts from the people around her. A speaker called out the name of each character as scenes from the character’s comic showed them in action.
The deep timbre sent shivers down her spine. No longer could she focus on the characters, only the unknown speaker. Closing her eyes, she let the sound wash over her. She pushed her legs together to stem the pulsations between her legs. Her heart thudded. How could a simple voice send her hormones into overdrive? Now she was looking forward to seeing the body that went with it.
The images paused. The screen went to black.
“Now, ladies and gentlemen, I want to introduce you to the newest SEAL team member… Carla Comstock.”
A drawing of a young woman with dark hair cascading to her shoulders appeared on the screen.
Anthony leaned over. “Mom, she sorta looks like those pictures of you when you were younger.”
The girl did have similar hair and maybe the shape of her eyes. But she’d never been as badass as that woman who stood tall wearing camouflage and holding a semi-automatic gun over her shoulder.
“The character of Carla came to me when I was working on the last comic book. She crawled out of my subconscious and demanded equal time in a story of her own, where she got to be the boss and save the day. Based on someone from my past, she has become her own woman, self-reliant, strong, and caring. Her softness doesn’t interfere with her ability to get the job done. Carla will be joining the rest of the SEAL team in the upcoming story—A Day to Die For.”
Thunderous applause filled the room. Anthony shot to his feet and clapped. Then the room quieted as if everyone waited for something spectacular to happen.
The announcer broke the stillness. “And now, the person of the hour… Mr. Tony Steele.”
Once more, deafening clapping and cheers filled the chamber as a man wearing a SEAL team comic shirt strode across the stage. His dark hair was cropped close to his head, no longer curling about his face and ears. Long legs encased in blue jeans put him about a foot taller than her. Perfect for her to snuggle up under his arm. He flashed a large grin. Full lips demanded attention.
If the light was better, Carina would be able to see the blue eyes from her past.
Chapter Seven
He waved to the crowd with both hands. The bright lights showcasing the stage made it almost impossible for him to see the audience. Their cheers and applause told him Carla would be another big seller.
While he’d based her on his former flame, she’d come into her own as a character. He’d lost touch with Carina after his enlistment, but never stopped thinking of her. Carla had become his way of reconnecting, even if only in his imagination. And the fans already loved her.
Tony strolled to the table on the side of the stage and turned on the projector, sending the image of Carla to the screen behind him.
“Hello. As you know, I’m Tony Steele, and you lucky few have just met our newest SEAL team member, but you are also going to get a chance to see me demonstrate some of my work. How my characters come to life. Then we’ll finish with a question and answer session.”
He removed Carla’s drawing from the table and replaced it with a sheet of blank paper. He began to draw lines on the paper, creating another image of Carla.
“Carla joined the SEAL team after the death of her husband. He’d served in the military, but in a different operation. His group was targeted because they’d protected a small Iraqi town from insurgents. Unable to bring his killers to justice, she joined the military and proved herself capable, earning her SEAL insignia in record time.”
The image he drew showed Carla standing over a casket with tears on her cheeks, a folded American flag pressed tight against her chest.
He moved the picture aside and put another blank sheet under the projector. Once
again, he drew as he spoke.
“Carla is stubborn and often butts heads with the Commander, Rangor Skyler. She longs to gain retribution for her husband’s death, even if it means going over her boss. But Rangor will continue to rein her in, so she doesn’t end up getting herself and the rest of the team killed.”
This drawing showed Carla standing back-to-back with a man. Both had their arms crossed on their chests.
Tony heard the clapping after he completed each image, but as he drew, his own voice was the only noise. Everyone cheered his latest creation. The group today was a small part of his fan base. He hoped the rest of them would be as welcoming to the newest SEAL team member.
He pushed back from the table and stood. “Coming out next month is SEAL team issue #17- One for the Money, focusing on the SEALs’ mission to protect a Saudi millionaire. I hope you will all grab a copy. Now we’ll take some questions.”
Tony had arranged for the announcer to stroll around the floor with a microphone and select the questions. Tony couldn’t see everyone, and that way, no one would be miffed at him for not answering their question. It’d all be on the announcer.
He took a dozen or so questions, enjoying the banter between the fans and himself. They knew their SEAL team storylines and, while each had their own favorite character, they embraced the newest member as well. The question and answer session gave him a few ideas for future stories as talking with the fans always energized him and got his creativity flowing.
He strode to the center of the stage and smiled at the group. “Now, before we leave, I want to play a little game. If your seat has a blue ticket taped underneath, please bring it up to the stage.”
Murmurs grew louder as the people checked under their seats. Shouts of “I have one,” or “Rats,” filled the hall. Tony stuck his hands in his pockets. He loved this part of the event. Soon, three people came toward the stage, waving blue.
