Michael Balkind - Sudden Death

“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.

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.”