Michael Balkind - Sudden Death

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.