The hubbub was unbelievable as pandemonium set in. Kevin casually went back to his condo, changed his clothes, then left heading for California. He stopped at a roadside truck stop and threw the plastic bag of strawberries into a dumpster, which was just being emptied. And with that, he went back to LA and into the drug rehab center where he had been for six weeks.

The following morning Kevin arose tired, dead tired, but he went by Kinko's and had four copies of the book printed. Then he went on to the Caf�, where he met his four friends.

After the cafe closed, the four drank to Kevin's success.

Hans stood. "Here's to our 12th book about North Beach, and I know this one will be the best."

Then Ben stood. "Damn we write a good book. The four of us do come up with some good stories."

Finally, Kevin stood. "Had Rose not dreamed up the rich Carrington's, we would be poor."

The four clinked glasses. And so it was, the four did have a hit book, and they did reap rewards.