Michael Balkind - Sudden Death

Jay responded, “I need to think about this. You guys have any thoughts?”

“We’re going to start double-teaming Reid,” Stu said. “You need to adjust the schedule again.”

“Good point. I’m going to go question Turner now, although it sounds like it would be too clever a cover up for him.” “Wow!” Reid said. “I never thought of that.” “That’s why you hired me,” Jay said. “By the way, the press conference went very well. The press are behaving, but I have to keep feeding them tidbits, so don’t be surprised when you watch the news.” “I haven’t had the time and don’t think I will,” Reid said. “Joel, make a copy of the note for me and send the original to the lab by messenger,” Jay said. “I want it analyzed and compared to the first. We think the paper was purchased from a store right here in New York, and they only received the shipment three weeks ago. We are checking their receipts as we speak. Hopefully, there weren’t many customers who bought that color.” “I’ll send it out immediately.” “Good. We’re close to nailing this sucker, but now he’s playing with us right under our noses. You know what you need to do.” Stu quoted their motto: “Always awake, always alert, always aware.” “Exactly. Keep me informed,” Jay said and hung up. “Reid, from now on, Stu and I are going to be with you whenever you’re awake. The other teams will cover in shifts while you sleep.” “That’s comforting, I guess,” Reid sighed. They joined the others on the deck. When Joan, Hunter and Team Three got back from the market, they packed a picnic dinner and put the rest of the food out for all who were staying behind.

Those going to the concert jumped in a van for the quick ride to Caramoor. The evening was delightful, and the classical music was soothing. Reid’s stress began to ebb, he closed his eyes and let his mind drift. He pictured himself on a beach with Shane. Now that’s different, he thought. Usually his daydreams were about golf. He enjoyed the change.

The concert ended and after a long wait in parking lot traffic, the group drove home quickly. After dessert on the deck, they all hit the hay early. Hunter moved into Joan’s room to give Shane her bed.

Weary as he was, sleep wasn’t coming easy for Reid. He tossed and turned for over an hour. A picture of the second threatening note was stuck in his head. Anxiety overcame him. He broke out in a cold sweat and began hyperventilating. Dammit , he thought, this pressure is going to eat me alive . He sat up, buried his face in a pillow and screamed. No one heard him except Bill, the guard on-duty who broke the latch, splintering the doorframe as he crashed through.

“What happened?” Bill asked, scanning the room but finding nothing wrong. “Are you all right?”

Reid was sitting with the pillow in his lap. “Shit, Bill, this really sucks. I’m trying like hell to take everything in stride, but it’s impossible. This sonofabitch is going to ruin my life.” Realizing his pun, he added, “That is, if he doesn’t kill me first.”

“Hey, man, it’s only natural for you to feel like that. Nobody expects you to be a hero. Sometimes it’s healthier to let your emotions flow. If you keep them bottled up, the pressure builds until you explode. Just let it go; it’s okay.”

“I know you’re right; I just don’t want my family or Shane to see that I’m so scared,” Reid said, shaking his head. It’ll just worry them more than they are already.” He let out a long sigh. “I’m fine now, thanks. Believe it or not, that scream helped.” “I hope so, because it scared the shit out of me.” “Sorry.” “No need to apologize. I enjoy a little excitement on my shift. It gets my adrenaline flowing.” “Well, in that case, I’m glad I could be of service. Next time use the door knob though,” Reid said. “Oh well, I guess I got a little overzealous. Sorry.” “Don’t worry about it. Now get the hell out of here so I can get some sleep,” Reid joked. “It’s so nice to be appreciated. Goodnight.” As Bill turned to leave the room, he and Reid noticed that everyone in the house was at the door, looking in.

“I’m okay, everyone,” Reid said. “Please go back to bed. Sorry for wak ing you.” Joan started to walk into the room. “What happened?” “Mom. I’m fine. Now please go back to bed. I really don’t want to talk right now.” “Whatever you say, dear.” Joan turned and sighed as she stepped over the splintered wood and left the room.

The next morning, Shane joined Reid and Stu for a run. Reid ran slower than normal so she could keep up. Bad move! Once they made the turn onto Reservoir Road and Shane didn’t need Reid to show the way, she took the lead and increased the pace. He had to work hard to keep up. Soon, his legs began to burn. Two things kept him from dropping back: his pride and his view. The distraction took his mind off the intense pain. What legs , he thought. Then, as his eyes shifted a little north, he stumbled on a protruding stone in the dirt road. Stu couldn’t refrain from laughing as he watched Reid lurch forward, arms flailing as he compensated to avoid a nasty fall. Relieved, Reid said quietly so Shane couldn’t hear, “I better keep my eyes on the road or I’m really going to fall for her.” He and Stu laughed. “What’s so funny back there?” Shane asked. “Oh nothing,” said Reid. “Just enjoying the view.” “Hey, watch it, wise guy, or the view is going to leave you in the dust.” Shane increased the pace again, and the friendly banter ceased for the balance of the run. When they returned to the house, Reid had a message on his cell phone. It was Aimee inviting him down to the studio to preview the commercial. It was far from finished, but it was looking very good, according to her.

A short time later, Reid, Shane, Joel and Stu drove downtown in the Jaguar. Stu and Shane decided that the back seat was perfect if you were under 10 years old. They felt like size nine feet in a size six shoe. All four of them met Aimee at the studio and watched the commercial. The set was long gone. Not even a puddle remained. “You shot that here, in this studio? It looks like you’re on a glacier,” Shane said.

“Hard to believe, huh?” Reid said. “You should have seen the set. It was incredible.” “Well, congratulations, the commercial is excellent,” Shane remarked. “Don’t congratulate me; it was Aimee who pulled it off. Can we get a copy?” he asked Aimee. “Sure, I’m glad you like it. Don’t let him fool you, Shane. He’s a natural actor.” “Yeah, I’ve noticed.” “Hey,” Reid said grinning. He threw a slow soft punch falling short of her jaw. Aimee opened a folder and said, “Here, take a look at the magazine and billboard proofs.” “These are good,” Joel said, leafing through them. “I can’t believe that’s me,” Reid said. “They’re going to be incredible when they’re done. This is one of the best campaigns I’ve ever worked on,” Aimee said. “I’m impressed,” Reid said. “I’m also hungry. Aimee, you’ll join us for lunch, won’t you?” Reid asked. “Sure,” she said, “Gotta eat, right?” After lunch, Aimee left them to head back to the studio. On their way home, Reid wanted to stop and visit some old friends who owned a store in the town of Rye. They entered Woodrow Jewelers where Reid introduced everyone to Michael and Rob Woodrow. Then he nonchalantly began to look around the store. As he had hoped, Shane was drawn to the jewelry. He joined her and together they looked at some necklaces. He asked Michael to take a few out for her to try on. She tried to object, but Reid couldn’t be stopped. Together, they chose an emerald and diamond necklace that matched the green in her eyes.