Sudden Death

by Michael Balkind

  Chapter 14

  Reid and Buck found the President and first lady in the main dining room. Secret Service agents were seated at nearby tables, giving them some privacy. At the President’s request, Reid and Buck took seats at his table. Reid quickly explained the situation and apologized for not being able to play golf with them. The President was curious about the threat and wanted to help. He offered Reid Secret Service protection.

  “Thank you, Mr. President,” Buck said. “We’ve already hired Jay Scott and his team; I’m sure you know of them. Let me ask Jay if he wants help before we accept your offer.”

  “Of course I know Jay. He’s done freelance work for me as well as my predecessor. His team is the best in the world.” He then noticed Joel and Stu, sitting at an adjacent table with his secret service agents. “Hi, guys. I didn’t realize you were there.” They walked over and shook hands with the President. “Good to see you gentlemen, even if that usually means someone has a problem. I’d like you to get this psychopath quickly. Reid is invaluable to the game of golf, and his foundation is going to take American sports to a new level.”

  “Mr. President, we’re on it. We will take care of this situation post haste,” Stu said.

  The President nodded and turned to Reid and Buck. “By the way gen tlemen, I have already asked Congress and the Olympic Committee to look into grants for the ICSF. Buck, call me and we can discuss this further.”

  Reid’s look had become one of complete shock. He had only met the President the day before, and here he was, talking about federal grants for the ICSF? It was all too much to handle: the threat, winning the Master’s, and now possible government backing for the foundation, all in one day. Reid was overwhelmed. He needed rest, and it showed.

  “Thank you, Mr. President,” Buck said. “We appreciate your under standing and your help. When should I call you to discuss the grant?” “Next week would be fine, Buck. I’ll look forward to your call.” Reid stood up and shook the President’s hand, then reached for the first lady’s and gave it a light kiss. “Thank you both. Please excuse me, but I’m exhausted. It’s been a very long day and I need some rest.”

  “It’s nice to know chivalry is not dead,” the first lady said. “Obviously the press doesn’t know the real you. You’re a perfect gentlemen and humanitarian.” “That’s what I keep telling them,” Reid said with a grin. Reid and Buck left the dining room, with Stu and Joel on their heels. They met the others out by the pool. As he walked toward the group, Reid noticed Betsy and Hunter were huddled together and Betsy was on her cell phone. He also noticed, as he got closer, that Hunter gave Betsy a signal to hang up. Quickly snapping her phone closed, Betsy did her best to turn and face Reid nonchalantly. Reid saw through the act and wondered what they were up to, but decided to let it go. He said, “Let’s head back to the hotel, everyone. I’d like to eat and get to bed early. It’s been a long day.”

  Reid invited everyone back to his suite for dinner. He called and ordered pizza, soda and beer. Upon entering the suite, he had seen a bottle of Crystal on ice and realized that was what the girls had been up to earlier. Although $120 was nothing to him, it was a big amount for Betsy and Hunter. He smiled at their thoughtfulness and made a mental note to reciprocate soon. He ordered two additional bottles so there was enough for everyone.

  The group ate till they were stuffed, including Reid, whose hunger sur prisingly had not diminished since receiving the threat. He thought it strange, but he was feeling kind of numb about it. After months of worry, his fears had proven correct, yet it all seemed surreal.

  Champagne was poured; the girls, Buck and Buddy each toasted the Master’s Champion. When the pizza was gone and the bottles were empty, Buck announced that they would be leaving for the airport at 10 a.m. He then politely asked them all to leave so Reid could get some rest. Reid called his mother before going to bed. “Hi, Mom.” “Oh Reid, I’m so glad you called. I wanted to congratulate you.” “How about doing it in person tomorrow? The girls are here with me, and we are all coming up to spend a few days with you before the Classic.” “Oh goodness, it’s been years since we all spent time together,” she said, getting choked up. “I’m so happy; I don’t know what to say.” Reid assured her she didn’t have to say anything. “We should be there around two or three in the afternoon. Buddy will be with us and a few other guests will be tagging along.” “What do you mean a few other guests? How many?” “Don’t worry Mom, and don’t make a fuss. We’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” “Okay.” “Mom, I love you.” “I love you too, son,” she said and hung up. Reid went to sleep immediately afterward with very mixed emotions. Sure, the Green Jacket was finally his, but he was playing in the Classic in less than two weeks with someone threatening to kill him if he won. Drifting off to sleep, he thought, What a life! What a crazy life!

  Awaking early, Reid was uptight from a long, restless night of twisting and turning in bed. He called the spa for a massage and also made massage, facial, and manicure appointments for Betsy and Hunter. He called their room, waking them, and told them to get ready for some pampering. They were thrilled.

  After two relaxing hours in the spa, Reid and his sisters had a quick, light breakfast and were ready to leave by 10. They met everyone in the lobby and walked out to the hotel shuttle bus.

  The plane Buck had chartered was bigger and more luxurious than the one they flew down on. The main cabin was like a family room with soft leather recliners, a media center and a complete wet bar. A small library area was stocked with books. There was a small bedroom and even a separate smoking room with its own bar.

  As they boarded, everyone looked around in disbelief. “People really travel like this regularly?” Hunter asked as she walked to and fro, checking things out. “Why not?” Betsy said. “I could get used to it.” “Me too,” Stu agreed. After the attendants took meal requests, Jay asked, “May I have everyone’s attention? I’d like to give you all a short update and review the plans we made with Detective Alto.” He waited briefly until everyone was listening. “I’m pretty comfortable with Alto’s team, except for that sourpuss McMillan, and if he gives us a problem, Frank will take him off the case. We interviewed and cleared the bag-room guys. Alto’s group is doing research and background checks on the people from Reid’s list. We also have a lab doing tests on the note. The paper and the printer used to write the note might help reveal its origin. We should be able to determine if the note was printed at the hotel, the club, or someplace else. There also is a chance we’ll find out where the paper was purchased. It seems that some larger office supply chains sell paper that has been manufactured specifically for them. Some paper has unique dyes or shades that are also chain specific.” He took a sip of his drink.

  “Overall, I like the direction we’ve taken, and I’m sure we’ll find the perp quickly. But until we do, I’d like to ask you all to refrain from speaking with the press. I’m sure they’ll attempt to contact each of you, and they can be very persistent.” He passed around a stack of his business cards. “I’d like you each to take a few of my cards and, if a member of the press calls or approaches you, just direct them to me. Buck and I will be holding daily press conferences. We’ll give them just enough information to appease them while holding back anything that would potentially damage the investigation if it were to hit the news. At times, we may even use the press to bait a suspect if we feel it’s necessary.” He paused for a moment, then asked, “Does anyone have any questions?” There were none. “Okay, that’s all I’ve got.” Reid’s good mood was dampened by Jay’s words. He felt a tension headache coming on. He stood up, walked to the rear of the plane and asked the flight attendant what pain relievers she had for a headache.

  “I know a better way I could help you get rid of that headache,” she said with a seductive smile.

  He looked at her name badge and said, “Tammy, as much as I would love that, could I have a raincheck? It would be a little too obvious if I were missing for that long.”


  She pouted and gave him a quick kiss. “Oh well, you can’t blame a girl for trying. I think the bedroom’s in use at the moment anyway.” “What do you mean?” “Haven’t you noticed your friend Stu has been gone for a while? I’m pretty sure he and Sally, one of the other attendants, are joining the milehigh club.” “Really?” “Sure, it’s fun, especially when were flying in turbulence. Are you sure you’re not ready for membership?” “Next time.” “Alright,” she said handing him a packet of pain relievers and her phone number on a pink sticky note. “You don’t have to wait till you fly again to call me. I know how to do it on the ground too.” “I’m sure you do. I’ll call, I promise.” “I hope so.” She planted another wet kiss on his lips. He smiled and said, “Till then.” “Till then,” she said. He went forward to watch the movie the others had chosen. He sat down, took the pills and quietly thought of Tammy’s offer. He smiled in spite of his throbbing head.

  Stu reappeared about 10 minutes later. He sat in his chair and fell asleep immediately, looking very happy.

  Reid tried to concentrate on the movie, but it was hopeless. His headache was becoming unbearable, so he put his head back and closed his eyes. Immediately, a vision of the threatening note entered his mind, causing him to flinch. I just can’t win, he thought in frustration. For the rest of the flight, he stared blankly at the movie screen, his mind in a state of chaos.

  They landed at Westchester airport, a small airport about 45 minutes north of Manhattan. Buck jumped in a limo and headed for his office. The rest of the group rented vans and headed to a hotel about 15 minutes north.

  Chapter 15

  The hotel was about 10 minutes from Joan Clark’s home. To avoid over whelming his mother, only team one joined Reid and his sisters. The others would stay at the hotel and go back and forth to the house as Jay had scheduled their shifts. Each team was on duty for six hours, then off for 18. They needed to be fresh and alert during their watch.

  As the van pulled into her driveway, Joan came running out. Obviously, she had been watching for them. She was a regal-looking older woman impeccably dressed in a colorful, flowered, knee length dress. Her dark hair was beautifully coiffed, the obvious result of a recent beauty parlor visit. Her iridescent ice-blue eyes were identical to Reid’s.

  Reid opened his door, jumped out and went to her with open arms. They hugged tightly. He admitted to himself that after everything he had been through, it felt nice to get a hug from Mom. She was teary when they let go. After hugging each of the girls, she looked at Reid and said, “I’m so proud of you. How does it feel?”

  “I think I’m still in shock. It’s kind of surreal. Between the endorse ment deal, the Master’s and some other things, the past few days have been a blur. Oh, by the way, Mom, I’d like you to meet my friends Joel and Stu. They will be sticking around for a couple of days. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Of course not. They can sleep in the guest bedroom. Hey, Hunter, they’re kind of cute, huh?” Hunter blushed. “Mom, cut it out.” “Okay, but they are!” “Mom!” Hunter was totally embarrassed. The house was a large, old but well-kept white colonial. Both sides of the brick walkway were lined with majestic rows of budding red rose bushes. Additional climbing roses added a further touch of elegance as they spiraled up columns on both sides of the steps and twined through the railing and spindles around the front porch.

  Upon entry to the house, the delicious scent of fresh baking made everyone’s mouth water. “Let’s go sit on the deck. I made apple pie and chocolate cake. Which should we have?” Joan asked.

  “How about both?” Reid said enthusiastically. “Guys, you haven’t had chocolate cake until you’ve had my mom’s! And her apple pie is…is…well, it’s indescribable.” “Great,” Joel said. “I’ll eat the cake; you guys can share the pie.” “My kinda guy,” Joan said. As they took their seats around the teak deck table, they couldn’t help but notice the vast surrounding gardens. There was a seemingly endless variety of budding flowers growing on the deck and in the bordering garden. It was a beautiful sight and instilled a wonderful feeling inside anyone lucky enough to view it.

  Seeing the reaction on Joel and Stu’s faces, Reid explained, “Amazing, isn’t it? You should see it when they’re in full bloom. Mom wins all kinds of awards from gardening clubs throughout the area. You should see her vegetable garden. It’s fantastic.” Joan just smiled and said, “Thank you.” They dug into the desserts and brought each other up to date on what was going on in their lives. Reid swore he was going to try to visit more often and would call her every few days. He apologized for his lack of communication and promised to be a better son.

  Joan spoke of her gardening and some of the books she had recently read. She also told them she had started a weekly card game and played an occasional nine holes at her friend’s club.

  Reid was so excited about her golfing he said, “Great! Tomorrow, after we buy you a car, we’re going over to Bedford Country Club to get you a membership.” “Oh no,” she said, “that’s not necessary, Reid. I don’t play enough golf to join a club.” “Well, if you join, you’ll play more and I’m sure there’s a regular card game there. By the way, if you’re a member, I’ll visit more often so we can play together.”

  “Well, in that case, I’m sold. Hey, Reid, about the car, I’ve been think ing…”

  Reid cut her off. “Mom, I told you not to try to talk me out of it. You’re getting a new Caddy.”

  “Well, that’s just it son, I hate to ask, but do you think I could get a Jaguar instead? I’ve always loved them.” Everyone laughed. Reid said with a smile, “Of course, Mom.” He got up and gave her a hug. “Okay, everybody, where should we go for dinner?” “Oh no, were staying right here,” Joan said. “I bought enough porterhouse steaks to feed an army. The girls can help me make the salad and shuck the corn. You guys can start the grill for the steaks and veggies.”

  Everyone agreed a home cooked meal was perfect after all the hotel and restaurant meals they’d eaten recently. The guys drank a few beers while cooking the steaks, then switched to red wine during dinner. The meal was excellent and left everyone feeling very mellow.

  After dinner and some small talk, Joan asked, “So Stu and Joel, what do you two do for a living?”

  Reid, who had been on his way to the kitchen, stopped dead in his tracks, almost dropping the dishes he was carrying.

  Joel had been ready for the question. He said, “We’re consultants, Mrs. Clark.” “Please call me Joan,” she said. “What kind of consulting do you do?” Reid quickly interjected, “Mom, can we talk alone for a few minutes? Hey guys, can you bring the dishes in and start cleaning? We’ll help you as soon as we’re done.” He put the dishes back down on the table and walked over to his mother and helped her up. The girls, Stu and Joel quietly got up to clear the table. “What’s going on?” Joan asked. “Let’s go into the living room,” Reid said as he picked up the open bottle of wine and their glasses. They walked into the living room and sat down. Reid poured some wine and handed her the glass.

  “Mom, we have a small issue that we’re dealing with. Everything is under control, but stay quiet for a moment and let me speak; I’m going to get right to the point.” “Well, do it already,” she insisted. “I received a threat yesterday.” She gasped. “What kind of threat?” “A death threat, Mom.” “Oh my God!” she said covering her mouth with a hand. “Calm down, it’s going to be okay. I have the best team in the world on the case already. Joel and Stu are bodyguards, and that’s an understatement. There are three more teams just like them over at the Holiday Inn. They’re working with a guy named Jay Scott who is the best private investigator available. They are well into the investigation; they’ll find the nut who sent the note and it will all be over. Please try not to worry.”

  “Oh my God,” she repeated, “don’t worry? You want me not to worry. Ha, that’s a joke.” Her hands were shaking as she gulped down half a glass of wine. “Mom, easy.” “Easy? Don’t give me easy, youn
g man. You come home and drop a bomb on me like this and now you want me to stay calm? Are you crazy?” she asked incredulously.

  “Mom, I’m sorry, I didn’t know how else to tell you. But it’s going to be all right.”

  “How do you know? You’ve got some lunatic who wants to kill you and you say it’s all right? Well it’s not!” she yelled. Then she started to cry.

  Reid leaned over and hugged her. He let her cry and said, “It’s gonna be okay, mom.” “I’m sorry,” she sobbed. “Give me a minute to collect myself.” Reid left the room to get her a tissue. When he came back, she had a big, forced smile on her face. She said, “Alright, we’ve managed to get through enough other crap in our lives, we’ll get through this, too. Let’s just deal with it head on. Tell me all about it.” He started at the beginning of the previous day and brought her up to speed. She swallowed hard and said, “Can you call Jay Scott and the others and ask them to come over? I want to meet them all. I’m sure they’re hungry anyway.” “I’ll ask them to come, but I’m sure they’ve eaten already.” “That’s okay. Anyone can make room for dessert. I made plenty.” Reid called Jay, explained the situation, and Jay said they would be right over. Reid gave him directions and hung up. When they arrived, coffee, cake and pie were served. Everyone met