Michael Balkind - Sudden Death

“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.