The Maker arrived and went straight to work. Each device had a specific purpose and must be created according to rigorous specifications. The process will take several hours to complete. A last-minute addition to the order had the Maker frowning. The kill switch was imperative and would be added in at a hefty premium. Like most western jackals, money spoke loudly. Their greed overshadowed everything.

27 hours

"In conclusion, I know this is the first time for many of you to attend a convention of this size, and you are understandably nervous. However, please remember the other authors and artists behind those doors downstairs are all people too. They had their first attendance once. They sat in those same chairs and felt the giant goose sized butterflies in their stomachs. They survived, and you will survive too. You all have your packets of information that includes the table charts and event lists. Nothing is mandatory, just go when you want, if you want, but I encourage you to network as much as possible. This is an awesome opportunity for you to meet not only your peers but also cover artists, models, publishers, editors and an assortment of other professionals who can help you on your way. Just stay away from the artist's relations people. I need to pay my bills. Are there any questions?"

Annabeth's eyes twinkled mischievously as she added the last part. In reward, several of the seven authors she currently represented in the classroom chuckled. In the back corner, Andrew Stinger rolled his eyes and stood to his feet. Turning abruptly, he disappeared out the door. She frowned. Well, that was true about all of her clients except for him. Even though she believed in his work as she did all her clients, she would be more than happy to see him wander off to another agent. His mood swings were getting on her nerves. Maybe it was the disastrous date they had gone on. Up until that point, he had been charming, but the appeal was over. The prince had turned into a frog. Either way, she wouldn't be sad to see him go.

"Alright then. Thank you all for trusting me to be your representative and remember there will be a reception Monday evening. The information is in the packet you have. Everyone have a great time, and you have my number on speed dial. I'm here to help you. However I can."

Everyone stood and started to make their way toward the door. Annabeth picked up her satchel and purse, took a big breath and pasted a smile on her face. Here we go, old girl, let's get this show on the road.

"Annabeth!"

She whirled around and came face to face with Joselyn. With a squeal, she threw her hands out dropped her bags and hugged her friend tightly. "Jos! I saw you sneak in during the talk. You've been through my spiel before; you didn't have to come."

Joselyn let her friend go and stepped back. "Of course I had to come. You've been there with me every step of my career with your support, how could I ever do less?"

In response, Annabeth smiled and took a step back. "Pffft. As if you could ever be a burden. I would love to have another dozen clients like you." She peeked over Jos's shoulder and grinned. "Hey River. You're looking as hunky as always. Are you ready to hit a few covers yet? I can get you a contract just like that." She grinned as she snapped her fingers. "I like the beard. The silver fox is very 'in' right now. The ladies love that distinguished, sexy, mature look."

It was an old joke between them. Joselyn's husband was an ex-SEAL and one of Hick's former team members. Like the rest of them, he was buff and beautiful - if one could call a badass alpha male beautiful. The first time they had met, she had tried, unsuccessfully, to get him a contract with one of her model representative friends. As always, he laughed then pulled her into his arms for a warm hug. "Nope, sorry, I don't have time for lying around and eating bonbons."

The hug ended, and she took a step back. "Oh, yeah, the breeding thing you and your cousin are doing. It must be doing well."

He grinned and bobbled his head in a non-comitial manner. "Shaun and I are doing well. After my uncle had to give up his program years ago on the farm, he thought he couldn't get it back. We've got it off the ground now. We even got a new bull that has an excellent pedigree. It's only been a year so we have a ways to go before we can see a difference in the cattle and expect our profit margin to increase. But that breeding program is not what's keeping me busy." He emphasized the word 'that' as he wrapped an arm around Joselyn and gently splayed a hand over her midsection. Looking at Annabeth, he waggled his eyebrows suggestively. Jos placed her hand over his and looked over her shoulder, smiling gently as her eyes filled with tears.

Annabeth's hand flew to her mouth. "Oh my God. Are you? I mean she? You? Oh my God!" Annabeth squealed and grabbed them both and hugged tightly. "I'm going to be an Aunt?"

Jos nodded as she wrapped her arms around her best friend. "Not only an Aunt but also a godmother. If you are willing?"

Annabeth felt her throat clamp up. Swallowing back the tears she looked at the two and nodded. "I couldn't be more honored." Wiping her face, she took a deep breath. "Congratulations, you two. I'm so happy for you both. How far along are you?"

"Just thirteen weeks. We wanted to wait to tell everyone until I was a little further on. You're the first we told outside of our parents. I swear his mother already has a nursery built."

"We'll this sells it. I've been thinking about getting a new car. Mine is over ten years old and good for local stuff. But, if I'm going to be burning up the miles between Atlanta and Mississippi, I'll need a new one."

Joselyn laughed. "You'll have plenty of time to go shopping. He or she has a long time to bake yet. How is everything else?"

"It's going well. I've picked up a part-time apprentice, Oscar. Nice kid, young, eager to learn the ropes but a little high strung. I'm trying to calm him down a bit. I told him if he didn't learn how to chill, he was going to have a heart attack before he hit twenty-five. He wanted to come this time, but he's a senior in college and taking summer classes so he can walk next June. I told him to study, get good grades and if he still wanted to be in this business after hanging out with me a year, I'd pay for him to go to next year's convention in Seattle."

"You're a good woman, Annabeth Switcher."

Annabeth smiled. "So are you, Joselyn Benson."

"I don't see Hick. I figured with you being only a few hours from California; he'd be here." River looked around the almost empty room.

Annabeth's face fell. "He's not going to make this trip, but we're planning some time next weekend. I'm taking a few days off. With everything that's been going on lately, he's had to stay close to home. Plus, tomorrow morning is the memorial service for the SEALs that died. I wish I could be there for him."

"I'm sure he knows, honey," Joselyn murmured as she squeezed Annabeth's arm. "I told Maddox he should go. They are like brothers."

"My place is here with you." River slid his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. "Uncle Sam and the team had me for twenty years. Now you and the sprout need me. The guys would understand that. It doesn't mean I care any less for them. Hell, Diablo and I went through sniper training together. But he'd be the first one to tell me to stay here." He nuzzled her neck tenderly. "I couldn't leave you now if I tried. There's no way I'm letting you out of my sight until the baby is born and maybe not even then."

Annabeth's cell chimed, and she pulled it out of her pocket. Andrew Stinger's name flashed on the screen. With an exasperated sigh, she lifted it up. "I need to take this. I'll see you guys on the floor."

As the two turned to leave the room, Annabeth took a deep breath and forced a pleasant tone. "Hi, Andrew."

"This table will not do. The space is too small. I specifically told you I wanted to be against a wall. I'm going to get paranoid with all the people walking around behind me."

Annabeth rolled her eyes and gritted her teeth. "I'll be right there," she calmly replied as she gathered up her things. Disconnecting the call, she dropped her cell into her pocket and rubbed her already aching head. Normally, conventions were one of the things she loved the most about her career. She enjoyed networking with other professionals, meeting new potential clients and watching her current ones experience meeting their fans. Normally it was a tiring but rewarding experience.

Then there was Andrew Stinger.

She sighed as she pushed through the door of the small meeting room she had booked for the orientation talk she always gave her clients before a big convention. Because of him, the next four days were going to last forever. But after that, God willing, she would get several days with Hick, and that would be worth it.