Michael Balkind: Sudden Death

Buck was waiting out front in the limo. As Reid got in, Buck shot him a sour look.

Attempting to avoid a heated discussion about the news story, Reid said, “That e-mail really spooked me. I haven’t told you, but I’ve been having nightmares since we received the first threat.”

“Not to be callous, my friend, but you need to put the e-mail aside. The newspaper article is what’s bothering me right now.” “Look Buck, I read the story…” Buck held up his hand, cutting Reid off. “Stop, I promised myself that we were not going to argue about it. Let’s just hope that nobody from Eagle reads the damn paper before our meeting. It could kill the whole deal.” Reid just lowered his head and kept quiet. Until he had opened the paper that morning, Buck had felt as exhilarated and anxious as a kid waking up on Christmas morning. He led an exciting life, but lately it had become mundane. He’d had his fill of famous celebrities, gourmet foods, the fanciest hotels, and more money than he knew what to do with, but none of it equaled the excitement of the deal, the negotiation, the win! He envied many of his clients in that manner. How lucky they were. They had the benefit of experiencing the emotional high of the win more often than he did. Days like today were what Buck lived for. How dare Reid tarnish the prospect of today’s possible victory!

Once again, Reid’s childish behavior was causing a problem. Although their relationship was very close, Buck resented Reid’s silver spoon upbringing. Yeah, Reid had grown up without a father, but unlike Buck, he had plenty of money. Buck had grown up dirt poor in a Bronx tenement. His family was tight and loving but they had nothing. They could barely afford enough food and clothing to survive. In Buck’s mind, Reid always had it easy.

Buck was really pissed off, but he hid his emotions. His internal furnace was raging. He felt the sting of the searing heat behind his eyes. He put his head back. He had been looking forward to this trip. A week with Reid and Eagle’s executive team meant he should be able to finalize the endorsement contract. Eagle, one of the world’s largest golf ball and equipment companies, wanted to close the deal with an $85 million contract. Buck was looking for $95 million. He was determined to enjoy this week… Damn Reid! Damn the article!

After an uneventful flight, they pulled up to the hotel a little before 11 a.m., which gave them an hour to settle in before the meeting. They checked in and headed to their suite. The elevator took them to the top floor where Reid slid his cardkey in the door and opened it.

“Very nice,” Reid said as he entered. He picked up the TV remote con trol and glanced into the two bedrooms. Each bedroom had its own bathroom. In the far corner of the living room, he saw a desk with a fax machine and a PC, in case they needed to access the Internet. Turning back to the media system, he pressed the remote’s power button to see what the system had to offer. “I’m going to get ready for the meeting. You should too,” said Buck. “Right.” Reid tossed the remote onto the couch. They went to their rooms and cleaned up. Reid dressed casually. Buck changed into his typical negotiating attire, a dark Armani pinstripe suit accented by a burgundy silk kerchief in his breast pocket and a matching tie. An antique tie pin and cufflinks added a sophisticated flair. The clothes, along with Buck’s barrel-chested frame, gave him a powerful aura. The commanding look made his less-than-average height barely noticeable.

They met back in the living room with a few minutes to relax before the meeting. Buck flipped through the channels – CNN, ESPN, ABC, back quickly to ESPN. “Oh shit,” he yelled. “ Alvin ’s doing it again. Why can’t he shut the fuck up when the press is around?”

Alvin Carey, one of his clients, was a basketball phenomenon. The problem was he spent as much time in the courtroom as on the court. It was the same with many of Buck’s superstar clients. When some athletes achieved rapid stardom and a matching income, self control became an issue. Adjusting to overnight success could be extremely difficult.

Somehow the media seemed to catch every instance when an athlete stepped out of line. Although conditioned to accept these issues, they annoyed Buck to no end. He knew at any time one of his clients was likely to end up in jail, potentially ending their career and therefore Buck’s earnings.

Buck was annoyed, but he didn’t have the time to think about Alvin at the moment. He stood, shut off the TV and said, “It’s time, come on, let’s go.”

In the elevator, Buck asked Reid for one favor. “Please, keep as quiet as possible and let me do my job! If you are asked anything about your other endorsement contracts, let me answer. They will be very kind but they also will be pushy and ask leading questions. Do not let them ruffle your feathers. It is imperative that you keep your cool! I’m serious, Reid. I know we can pull this off. They want you and they’ll pay the extra money. Just promise me you won’t ramble on or openly disagree with me. You believe in me, right?” Silence. “Right?” Buck asked again a little louder. “Cut it out, will you? This is your show, I swear. Now let’s go kick some ass!” “Very good,” Buck said. They reached the first floor and found conference room 1A. The Eagle group had not arrived yet. Buck took his seat at the table and told Reid to sit next to him.

The door opened. Carl Hyman, a tall, dignified man with close cropped gray hair and a goatee, walked in with his team – six of them. Each wore a suit and tie. Everyone was introduced and took their seats. Buck shuffled some papers, put them down and looked around the room at each face. “Gentlemen, after months of negotiations between our attorneys, we are ready to join Team Eagle. But first I have a final offer to make. If I may add a small pun, let’s see if you have the balls to accept this deal.” All eyes were on Buck, especially Reid’s, which suddenly became very alert.

Buck said, “Here it is plain, straight and simple. If Reid wins this week, the contract will be $100 million. If he does not, it will be $70 million.”

Reid’s eyes bulged, and his jaw dropped. Buck saw him quickly straighten up and hoped the others hadn’t noticed his shock.

Murmurs spread through the room. The entire Eagle team looked at Carl with wide eyes.

Carl’s face showed no consternation or concern. He sat tall in his dark gray suit without giving away his feelings or thoughts, lightly stroking his goatee. His team fidgeted in their seats. Some sat back with looks of dismay.

“Could you guys give us a few minutes?” Carl said, looking at Buck and Reid.

“Of course, how much time would you like?” Buck asked as they walked toward the door. “Give us five minutes.” “No problem.” Buck checked his watch. As they closed the door behind them, Reid blew out a massive sigh of relief. He looked at Buck. “I don’t know what to say.” “Good, then how about keeping quiet?” “Are you sure…?” Reid started. Buck held his palm up to stop Reid from talking. “I’m not sure of anything. Why don’t you go sit down over there by the window? I need to use the bathroom.”

Reid sat with mixed emotions of excitement and disbelief. Was there even a chance that they would sign him for $100 million? He sat for a few minutes and pondered the situation. Who did Buck think he was, pulling a stunt like that without warning him? On the other hand, what if they accepted the deal? Buck approached and said, “Let’s go in for the verdict.” Reid and Buck took their seats and looked around. Silence engulfed the room. Buck sat patiently, his eyes glued to Carl, waiting. Clearly, the ball was now in Carl’s court.