Joan woke and reached for his other hand. Reid slowly opened his eyes and silently observed his surroundings. “What happened?” he slurred.
Shane explained everything through a haze of tears. Joan slipped out to inform the others. The on-duty nurse was making rounds, and with no one to stop them, they all went into Reid’s room. Tears flowed as they entered. They each took turns gently hugging him.
Always the comedian, Reid quietly said to Joel, “Guess your save record is still unblemished, huh?” “Thanks to the vest,” Joel sighed. The doctor came in and was taken aback at the sight of the crowd in the room. “I’m sorry to do this, but I have to ask everyone except Mrs. Clark and any other family members to leave the room immediately. We still don’t know the severity of Reid’s head injury. He needs to rest until all the tests come back and we have some answers.”
“Hey,” Reid said quietly as they began to leave. “I have two questions. First, who shot me?”
“You remember the guys that Art had faxed us the report on?” Buck said.
Reid shook his head. “Not really. I’m a little foggy, Buck. Refresh my memory.”
“Art sent us a report about two guys we kicked out of camp. One of them was a guy named John Morgan. Well, the shooter was his brother, Joe. The take-down was pretty intense. The police found him in the woods right away. He was perched in a tree about 15 feet off the ground. They surrounded him with guns drawn, so he threw down his rifle and surrendered. A cop climbed up and pushed him from his position. He dropped like a rag doll, hitting branches before landing with a thud. He was a bloody mess when they dragged him from the woods. They cuffed him and threw him into a waiting patrol car. Jay has been interrogating him. We’ll know more soon.” Reid nodded with a slight smile. They all started to leave the room again. “Hey, I said two questions,” Reid blurted out. “Easy, Reid,” the doctor said. “What’s number two?” Betsy asked. “What happened to my putt?” Everyone laughed. “You sunk it. Congratulations, you won,” Buddy said. Reid smiled and sighed. “Now I can rest.”
Reid recovered quickly. The tests showed there was no serious damage. The doctors confirmed that as long as he was careful, he had a long life ahead of him.
He was released from the hospital after three days. He wanted to go back to his apartment, but Joan and Shane insisted he stay in Bedford. He agreed, as long as Shane stayed, too. The doctors wanted him to remain quietly in bed for at least three more days. Then he could start taking short walks. Anything more strenuous, including golf, was out of the question for three weeks. That meant he would miss only one tournament. “I can live with that,” Reid commented. “I’m so glad, Reid,” the doctor said sarcastically. Every bump in the road during the ride home caused Reid to grimace in pain. His headache, which had become tolerable in the hospital, was now pounding. His bruised chest, which had already healed significantly, still ached with every little jostle, as if a knife were piercing it.
During the three weeks of recovery in Bedford, Reid and Shane were together every waking moment. She had a calming effect on him. When he got fidgety, which was quite often, she would sit with him and hold his hand as they talked quietly. They had so much to learn about each other.
As soon as he was able, they went for long walks on trails in local parks. Joan joined them occasionally, but mostly stayed out of the way. It was a unique time for them; how often do young couples get to spend so much time together in the beginning of their relationship? While this could damage many relationships, with Reid and Shane, it helped form an inseparable bond. He found her to be as beautiful inside as she was out. He loved the way she treated him; she was extremely caring, yet firm. As for his constant playful mind games and taunts, he had met his match. If he gave her a hard time, she gave it right back. It was quite obvious to them and anyone who visited during his short recovery that they were absolutely made for each other.
After a week of rest, Jay and Buck had come up to visit. Jay told Reid and Shane about the shooter.
“John Morgan had paid his older brother Joe five grand for the hit. Joe’s plan had been to become his brother’s agent and manager when John went pro. He was enraged when John had been kicked out of AllSport. He would have been happy to shoot you for no money at all. He’s got a rap sheet a mile long. Believe me when I tell you, this guy is crazy. I couldn’t shut him up. He started telling us about some of the crimes he’s gotten away with. He bragged about the fact that he put two cops in the hospital without being armed at the time of the fight. Then when we arrested John, he wouldn’t shut up, either. He told us Joe uses PCP regularly and, with a little in his system, he thinks he can take on the world. They were both very upset that you’re alive. But don’t worry about it. The two of them are going away for a long time, so you can feel safe…for now anyway.” “What do you mean, for now?” asked Shane. “Sorry, Shane, I don’t mean to worry you, but Reid has made a few enemies over the years. Sometimes it takes a situation like this to get everyone to realize it. That’s one of the reasons I came up today. Reid, I don’t want to seem pushy, but I think you need me on retainer as your security consultant.” “What’s that going to cost me?” Reid asked. “Don’t worry, my fees are reasonable.” “Who are you kidding? I saw your last bill and I’m still tying to figure out how I’m going to pay that!” “Cut it out. Just say no if you don’t want me.” “Can’t you take a joke? Of course I want you. You’re hired.” Buck then jumped into the conversation. “Excuse me gentlemen, but I think, as Reid’s managing agent, I should know how much this is going to cost him.” “How about two hundred grand a year?” Jay said. Reid and Buck looked at each other and nodded. “You’re hired,” Reid said.
Chapter 36
Two weeks later, Shane and Reid went into New York City for the day, just to walk and have dinner. They strolled up Fifth Avenue, then continued uptown to his apartment. They went in to get cleaned up for dinner. He had made reservations, but wouldn’t tell her where. At 6:30, they went out and got a cab. He gave the cabbie the address and she looked at him as if he were crazy. “Isn’t that Harlem? Where are you taking me?” “Trust me,” he said with a smile. “Sounds like trouble to me,” she said. The cab drove them to Morningside Heights, where they entered a building and took the elevator to the top floor. Shane was very nervous until the elevator opened to reveal one of the most beautiful restaurants she had ever seen. They were shown to a table with a window view of the entire city. A waiter soon arrived at the table with a bottle of Crystal. Another waiter came over with a plate that he placed in front of Shane. On the plate was a small gift-wrapped box. “What’s this?” she asked. “Dinner here always starts with a gift. They’re known for it. Go ahead, open it. Let’s see what it is.” With a look of doubt, she slowly unwrapped the box and opened it. Her eyes widened. Reid got down on one knee and said, “Shane, will you please marry me?” “Oh my God, yes, of course I will,” she exclaimed without any hesitation. He took the biggest diamond ring she had ever seen out of the box and put it on her finger. Everyone in the dining room, patrons and the entire staff, applauded. Reid and Shane kissed. He asked the waiter to pour champagne for everyone.
After dinner, they went back to his apartment and made passionate love.
He left all the wedding decisions up to Shane. “Just tell me when and where and I’ll be there,” he said.
Shane planned an engagement party one month later at Bedford Country Club. The party was great; everyone was having a fabulous time. Reid was outside on the stone patio with some of the men, smoking cigars. They were all taking turns poking fun at him.
“You know, Reid, you’ve changed,” Buck said. “What happened to The Bad Boy of Golf? I think this marriage stuff has gotten to you.”
“You’re right, Buck, marriage, getting shot, the endorsement, winning the Master’s – it’s all had an affect on me. I have changed; The Bad Boy is gone from my life.” “Riiight,” Buck said mockingly. “Let’s not get carried away now.” “No, seriously Buck, I’m a
changed man. I’m going to be more responsible and stay out of trouble.” “Ha, not a chance.” “You’ll see,” Reid said confidently. “I’ll tell you what. Are you ready to put your money where your mouth is? I’ll bet you one million dollars that The Bad Boy comes back to visit within a month.”
“You’re on.” They shook hands. Everyone within earshot had a good chuckle.
Just then, Shane came outside and said, “There you are. I’ve been look ing all over for you. I should have known.” Reid quickly looked at the guys and put his finger to his lips. He gave her a quick kiss and they stepped off the patio onto the lawn. They hadn’t walked five feet when a paparazzo jumped from the bushes, snapping a picture with a bright flash in their faces. Furious, Reid reached out, grabbed the photographer by the collar and cocked his arm, ready to punch. Then, instead of hitting him, Reid let go of his shirt and slowly swung his right fist into his left palm. “Oh, what the hell, go ahead, take another, but just one,” he said as he pulled Shane close and posed.
The photographer took one shot, thanked them, then, as asked, he walked away.
Shane turned to Reid and, with a look of pure astonishment, gave him a big hug and told him that she was proud of him.
Reid was facing the others on the patio as he enjoyed Shane’s embrace. Looking at Buck, he winked and, while pushing his finger on an imaginary cash register button, he mouthed, cha-ching.
Michael Balkind
***
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