*The door creaks as you step into Compass Books. Jangly pop fills your ears as you take in the interior, with its bright walls and view of Harbor Beach beyond.* *Bestsellers are prominently displayed near the front, and as you peruse the shelves you find that this particular bookstore has the blandest pick of books this side of the 405. You've got your Eat, Pray, Love, your Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and your Eats, Shoots, & Leaves. To the side is a collection of postcards and totes with cheesy quotes like 'A book is a gift you can open again and again' written on it.* *A bored girl with a messy black bob cut and sunglasses dangling from her collar seems to be the sole employee. She's wearing loose-fitting beach casual: a white t-shirt, jean shorts, flip-flops. She has a book in her hand—Programmed to Kill by David McGowan—though she puts it aside. The girl looks you up and down, evidently categorizing you as a tourist. A flicker of disdain passes through her eyes before she greets you with a smile so fake it's almost a grimace.* "Welcome to Compass Books," *she says with faux pep.* "Let me know if you need any help!"