Sudden Death (11 page)

Tormented by fear, Reid writhed in bed until his sheet was twisted tightly around his torso and legs. The constraint acted as a catalyst, elevating his level of anxiety. He kicked off the sheet wildly and turned to glance at the clock’s glowing red digits. It was 4 a.m. He bolted upright and swung his feet to the wood plank floor. He sat for a few minutes with his elbows on his knees and his face resting in his hands, willing his anguish to subside. Somewhat calmer, he stood up, walked to the window and stared at the bright full moon. He thought, Could this whole situation just be a big prank, or is some lunatic really out to kill me? If it is a joke, whoever’s behind it better not reveal themselves, because I’ll tear them apart. What if it is real? Am I putting everyone I love in jeopardy by staying here with them, or are we all better off here with the protection of the security teams? If anything happens to them, I’ll never forgive myself… How long can this last? What if they never find the culprit? Will I need security for the rest of my career? For the rest of my life?

Realizing his thoughts were spinning out of control, Reid opened the window, stuck his head out and inhaled the crisp night air deep into his lungs. The cold air had the desired mind-cleansing effect. After taking a few more breaths, Reid stepped back, pulling his head inside the room. He lowered the window, returned to bed and lay there, trying unsuccessfully to go back to sleep. His mind was in overdrive and he could not downshift. As daylight began to break, he finally gave up. He hopped out of bed and recruited Stu for a run. They followed a dirt road around the local reservoir that Reid had run regularly as a kid. The run and the peaceful surroundings calmed him. He was sweaty but relaxed when they returned. The aroma of fresh brewed coffee permeated the house. They walked into the kitchen to see everyone sitting around the table having bagels and coffee. “I thought you were still upstairs sleeping,” his mother said. “No, we went for a run. I’m going to take a shower, then we can go, okay?” “Sure, take your time, no rush,” she said. “Here’s some coffee.” He took a sip. “Mmm thanks, this is good,” he said as he left the room. He came back down about half an hour later. “Everyone ready?” He heard some sleepy yes’s. “Good, let’s go.” The drive to the Jaguar dealership was quick. A salesman welcomed Reid with a big, warm grin. Reid said, “My mother would like a red convertible.” “Which model?” the salesman asked. “I don’t know. What do you have on the lot?” “In red?” The salesman thought for a moment, “We have an XKR and an XK8. Come with me, I’ll show you.” They followed him to the first car. It was beautiful. “Like it, Mom?” “What’s not to like?” Reid pulled the salesman aside and quietly asked how much the car would cost. The salesman whispered, “About eighty grand.” “Mom, why don’t you take it for a test drive?” “Alright.” She got behind the wheel, Reid sat in the passenger seat, and the salesman crammed himself in back. “How do you lower the top?” Reid asked. After a quick explanation, they unlocked the handles, and Joan pushed the button that folded the top back.

Driving out of the lot, she winked at the girls. They waved back. Five minutes later, Reid asked, “Well, what do you think, do you like it?” “
It’s awesome!
” she exclaimed, totally out of character. Reid cracked up and said, “Okay, let’s go back.” It was fun watching his mother’s excitement. It gave him a temporary, much needed reprieve from his relentless anxiety.

They pulled back into the lot, got out of the car and Reid asked the salesman, “Do you take credit cards? It may take two.” “Let’s try,” said the salesman trying to keep a straight face. He was about to make dealership history with a 10-minute sale and on a credit card no less. This was his lucky day. The two credit cards were approved for the full amount, including tax and registration fees. He told them, “We can have it ready for you in a few hours.”

They left the dealership and headed up the street to The World of Golf, a retail golf shop that Reid frequented. Ross, one of the salesmen, anxiously greeted Reid. “Wow, Reid, it’s good to see you again. Congratulations! That was an awesome win.” “Thanks, it feels pretty good.” “Sorry to hear about the threat. How’s it going? Did they find the guy?” “No, not yet.” Reid sighed, visibly shaken. “Sorry I asked. What can I do for you? Obviously you didn’t come here to BS with me.” Reid chuckled. “I need a few sets of clubs and some balls.” Reid bought Betsy, Hunter and Joan each a new set of clubs. He bought an extra set for Hal Simon, the Bedford Country Club member who had given Reid his first set of clubs back when Reid was caddying as a teenager. He asked if the new Freeze balls from Eagle had come in yet. “Just got ‘em in yesterday,” Ross said. Reid bought an entire case. He could get all he wanted for free, but he needed them immediately. Before they left, Ross said, “Hey Reid, mind if I ask a favor.” “Ask away.” “If you find the time, would you come back with the Green Jacket so

I can get a picture of us with you wearing it?” “Tell you what, Ross, we’ll take two pictures. I’ll wear it in one and you can put it on for the other.” “Really?” “Sure. See you soon.” Leaving the store, Reid said, “Two more stops, then let’s grab lunch at the Blazer.” “Yum,” the girls said in unison. The last two stops were a cigar store and a liquor store. Reid bought a box of Macanudos and a bottle of Navan cognac. Then he drove to the Blazer, arguably the best burger joint in the area. He’d been craving a Blazer burger for months.

After lunch they picked up the car. Joan acted like a teenager as she pulled out of the lot with the top down and Reid in the passenger seat. The others tried to keep up in the van. Ha, not a chance. When the van finally pulled into her driveway, Reid and Joan were already sitting on the front porch, drinking iced tea.

Reid called the manager at Bedford Country Club, explaining that he want ed a membership for his mom and tee times for two foursomes. The manager had to speak with the club president first but called Reid right back. “Come on over. The president happens to be here. We’ll meet with you as soon as you arrive.”

After hanging up, Reid said to Betsy and Hunter, “Mom and I are going over to get her signed up as a member of the club. I’ll call you guys in a little while to come join us for 18.”

Joel jumped in the back seat of the Jag and Reid drove. They made it to the club in record time, with Joan repeating the entire way, “Careful with my new car. Slow down.”

The clubhouse had an understated elegance. The membership roster was smaller than other clubs in the area and made for a quieter atmosphere. Reid and Joan were welcomed by the president. They followed him into an antique-filled boardroom and sat at the oversized table in comfortable, high back, upholstered chairs. The manager entered and introduced himself. The president explained that new members were usually voted on by the membership committee, but in this case, they would make an exception. They congratulated Joan on her new membership. Reid would receive the bill in the mail. The meeting ended and Reid called the house to tell the others to come over. He then called Jay and invited him to play as well. By the time Jay arrived, everyone else was ready, with new golf shoes and outfits from the pro shop. Those who needed them were offered the use of demo clubs.

While waiting for Jay to arrive, Reid had requested Hal Simon’s home phone number and dialed it on his cell. “Hello.” “Mr. Simon?” “Yes, who’s calling?” “It’s Reid Clark. How are you?” “
Reid
. I’m fine, thanks. Surprised at the moment, but fine. How are you?” “Pretty good, Mr. Simon.” “I heard about the threat on the news, is everything okay? Did they find the guy yet?” “No, not yet, but we have an excellent team working on it. Mr. Simon, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to come over to see you later this evening. Would that be all right?”

“Absolutely, I’d love it. Why don’t you come for dinner? How does 8 p.m. sound?”

“Great. We’ll see you then. I’ll have a bodyguard with me; I hope you don’t mind.” “Of course not, and Reid, please call me Hal.” “Okay, Hal. I’ll see you later.” He hung up and joined the others at the first tee. The golf course was practically empty. Reid, Joan, Betsy, Hunter, Jay and Joel had a great time playing. They joked and laughed all afternoon, mostly about each other’s shots, not including Reid’s, of course. It was the most fun the Clark family had had together in a long time. They finished their round, went to the bar for a few cocktails, then went back home.

Reid was due at the Simons in half an hour. Joel would escort Reid to the Simons and Stu would go back to the club for dinner with the others. Reid asked Betsy and Hunter to help him wrap the gifts he had purchased earlier.

Reid and Joel drove the Jag to the Simons. When they pulled up to the gate, Reid pushed the button on the speaker box. Hal answered and opened the gate. They wound their way up the long driveway to a beautiful country estate. The property was magnificent. The house was situated on a hill with a spectacular view. A herd of grazing deer hardly looked up as they drove past. Reid and Joel watched as two dogs bounded from the house and chased the scattering deer. Reid parked the car and got out only to be accosted by the friendly Burmese Mountain dogs that sniffed and licked them with tails wagging.

Joel helped Reid carry the gifts to the front door. They rang the bell, and Hal greeted them and led them through a grand entrance hall where a collection of full-size carousel horses was on display, each in its own lighted alcove. They entered the study where Nina, Hal’s wife, was mixing martinis. After brief greetings and introductions, Reid complimented them on the beauty of the house. He noticed the exquisite flooring that Hal explained was teak, similar to the deck of his yacht.

A huge fish tank built into the wall mesmerized Joel. Exotic colorful fish swam around and through live coral. Joel watched a small octopus as it hid in a cave-like gap in the rocks. The tank was big enough to fit an average size person.

Nina poured their drinks (non-alcoholic for Joel) and they sat across from the Simons. Reid began, “You must be wondering what this is all about. Well Hal, your generosity allowed me to start playing golf when I was a kid. I’m sure you remember the set of clubs you gave me when I used to caddie for you.”

“Yes, now that you mention it, I do remember, and quite frankly, that’s an accomplishment for me lately. Right, honey?” “Yes, dear, I’m so proud of you,” Nina said, rolling her eyes. Reid chuckled and continued, “Well I wanted to thank you properly and let you know that I have not, nor will I ever, forget your generosity.” He stood up and asked Joel to follow him out of the room. They came back carrying the gifts and placed them in front of Hal. “Please open them,” Reid said. Hal smiled and slowly unwrapped the clubs, then the balls, the cognac, the cigars, then tickets to the classic, and finally a wooden plaque. Engraved on it was: The Inner City Sports Foundation recognizes Hal Simon for his contribution, which helped enable Reid Clark to become the champion he is today.

A note attached to the plaque read:

A four-foot replica of this plaque is positioned in the center of the award wall at AllSport. Along with the plaque, Mr. Simon is granted a lifetime position on the Inner City Sports Foundation’s Board of Directors. Mr. and Mrs. Simon also are invited to a two-week stay at AllSport, which includes a golf training camp taught by some of the PGA’s top professionals. With my sincere gratitude, Reid Clark

As Hal finished reading the note, tears welled up in his eyes. He got up, hugged Reid and said, “Thank you! This means so much to me.” “No, Hal, this is my time to thank you.” They sat quietly and enjoyed the moment. Nina then chimed in. “Anyone hungry? We have a wonderful meal. Jacques has prepared Rock Cornish Hens l’orange with herbed wild rice, and haricot vertes almondine.” “Yeah,” Hal said, “In other words chicken, rice and string beans.” “Oh, shush,” Nina said. “Come on, let’s eat. I’m famished after all this emotional hubbub.” Chocolate soufflés were the perfect ending to a marvelous dinner. Afterward, Hal said, “Come on, gentlemen, let’s go out to the patio and partake in those cigars and cognac you brought. The Macs I know, the cognac I’ve never heard of. I thought I knew all the cognacs on the market.”

“It’s made by Grand Marnier; they infuse cognac with Madagascar vanilla. I saw an ad for it in a cigar magazine and tried it. I’ve recommended it a lot lately, and everyone seems to love it. I should probably have Buck try for an endorsement.”

Hal poured snifters for Reid and himself and coffee for Joel. After inhal ing the cognac’s vanilla bouquet, Hal tried it. “Wow, that’s smooth! Good find, Reid. Thank you.” “Enjoy it,” Reid said tilting his snifter for a sip. They smoked and told stories for the next half an hour. Finishing his cigar, Reid said, “I’m afraid it’s time for us to go. Hal, thank you for a wonderful evening, I look forward to seeing you at the Classic. You’ll be there, right?” “Of course I will. I wouldn’t miss it. Joel, take care of him.” “You bet, Mr. Simon.”

It was 12:30 a.m. when they pulled into the driveway, and the lights were still on in Joan’s house. They walked in to find Betsy, Hunter, Joan, Buddy and Stu still awake. Also in the room was Betsy’s friend, Sarah, with her husband and Reid’s childhood friend, Steven. The story in the paper and the news had brought an onslaught of phone calls to the house. Everyone was curious and worried for Reid and the family.

They reminisced and laughed until Reid said, “Steven, I hate to be rude but I’ve got to get to bed. We’re going to the city tomorrow. You want to come with us?”

Steven had to turn down the offer due to work, but he accepted Reid’s invitation to the Classic.

After Steven, Sarah, and her husband left, Betsy asked, “What was that about the city?”

“I thought I mentioned it earlier. I’d like us all to go into New York tomorrow. I want to take you two shopping,” he said to Hunter and Betsy. They looked at each other with excitement. “Yes, it’s our turn!” Hunter said with a pump of the arm. “We’ll shop, then have lunch at Sarabeth’s Kitchen. Afterward, I have a press conference and an ad campaign meeting with Eagle. Then I’m going to a party with Buck at Ross Misrok’s place.”

Misrok, a pitcher, had just been signed by the Yankees with the biggest baseball contract in history. He had been in the news as much as Reid lately. He was also Buck’s client and had asked him to bring Reid to the party. Exhausted, everyone said goodnight and went to their rooms.