Michael Balkind: Sudden Death

He finished the day in third place, four shots behind the leader. All things considered, Reid was okay with his standing. If he could finish like he did today in spite of the huge distraction, he could win tomorrow as long as there were no unexpected interruptions.

That night he needed to relax. He decided they would have dinner at the Cobblestone, a small local pub, which was far enough away that there would be no players or press to bother them. Reid had spent most of his summer nights at the pub during his college years. It was located about half way between the golf course and Joan’s house, so the girls would have a short ride home after dinner. In spite of the relaxing evening, Reid was having trouble falling asleep. He couldn’t purge his mind of the horrible possibilities. What if this lunatic tries to kill me but fails and only injures me? What if I’m paralyzed or have to live on a respirator? No way, not me. I’d rather be dead!

Once again, Reid was awakened by the ring of the telephone. He fum bled for it and lifted the handset to his ear. As he mumbled, “Hello,” a deep voice said, “This is your last warning, if you win this tournament, you die.” Then he heard a click as the caller hung up.

An intense feeling of dread swept over him. He was going to be sick again. He sprang out of bed and ran to the bathroom. Leaning over the toilet, he retched. He then sat slumped over on the tiled floor until his queasiness subsided. Trembling, he stood up and leaned against the wall for a moment, settling down. After splashing cold water on his face, he went to the living room. Mench, who was on duty, asked, “What’s the matter? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” “He just called with another threat.” Mench picked up his radio and sent an alert to Jay. Seconds later, Jay’s groggy voice came over the radio asking, “What is it?” Mench explained the call. “Who’s on duty besides you?” Jay asked, now fully alert. “Greeny’s just outside the door and Pat is on the balcony.” “Alright, I’m on my way. Send an alert to everyone except teams three and four. Wake up the others here at the hotel and station someone at every entrance. Have Stu call the phone company and check the call. Tell Joel to get over to the hotel switchboard. Our bug should have recorded it. Get the tape up to the suite immediately. And Mench, do not let Reid out of your sight.” “I’m on it.” Mench rapidly made all the calls. “Oh boy,” Reid sighed. “Another great start to a day.” “Listen to me, Reid…” started Mench. Reid cut him off. “I know, I know, you’re going to get him. You know what? I’m getting kind of tired of hearing it. You guys are no further along then when this whole thing started. I know you’re all the best, you’re certainly the most expensive, but why don’t you cut the crap and admit it. You’re clueless.”

Doing his best to keep his temper in check, Mench remained silent for a moment. With his face reddening, he said, “You know what, Reid? Maybe you’d be happier taking care of yourself. Maybe I should just leave. Maybe we should all leave. We’re with you 24 hours a day ready to take a bullet for you. You think we’re worthless? Well, good luck on your own, pal.” He got up and started to leave.

The door opened and Joel walked in. Mench passed him brashly. In a seething tone he said, “I’m done. See you on the next job. The one where the client appreciates the danger we’re in.”

“Hold it, Mench. What the hell are you talking about? Come back and sit down. Don’t leave, not yet anyway.”

“I’m tired of hearing Reid question our ability. He doesn’t get it. Tell him how often we find the perp while the threats are being made. It’s rare, right? Most jobs aren’t finished until the perp tries for the kill. That’s when we nail them. Go ahead, Joel, tell him.”

“He’s right, Reid. We rarely catch anyone during the threat stage. Our job is to take the perp down before he takes you down.” He turned to Mench. “Give the guy a break. He just got woken up at 3 a.m. by his fourth death threat and he’s in the middle of a huge tournament. You think maybe he’s a little uptight? Of course he’s upset with us; he’s upset with everything right now. Let’s all just settle down.” The three of them sat in silence for a minute. Reid broke the silence. “Mench, I’m sorry.” “No Reid, I’m sorry. I should know better. I’ve worked with clients who broke under half the pressure you’re under. You’re a credit to the PGA. In fact, you’re a credit to professional athletes. Most people in your position would be hiding out somewhere. You’re out in the middle of the crowds, doing what you’re supposed to do, not letting this guy get to you. Forgive my insensitivity.”

“Forgiven. Now it’s my turn. I’m sorry for doubting you guys. I wasn’t aware of the statistics on cases like this. I do appreciate what you are all doing for me, and the danger you’ve put yourselves in for my safety. Please accept my apology.” They shook hands. “Reid, it’s 4 a.m.,” Joel said. ”There is nothing you can do to help us here. I’m sure you can’t go back to sleep, but you’ve got a long day ahead of you. Why don’t you just go lie down?”

“Yeah, you’re right. First, I’m going to cancel my wake-up call. If I do fall asleep, please make sure I’m up by 8.” “You got it,” Joel said. Reid went back to his room and shut the door. Joel gave Mench a nod toward Reid’s room. Mench got up, knocked on the door and went in. “It’s only me, Reid,” he said. “I’m just going to keep you company while you sleep. Make believe I’m not here.” “That should be easy.” “Don’t start that again.” “Just fooling, just fooling,” Reid said with a chuckle. “Real funny. Go to sleep. I’ll wake you at 8.”

Meanwhile, Jay arrived and was listening to the tape. Every call to the room had been recorded since they had checked in. They had the entrances to the building covered and had combed the entire hotel. Joel explained the altercation between Mench and Reid.

Jay was annoyed. Inside he felt Reid was right; they were clueless. They couldn’t find their top suspect, and if the threats were real, they had only two days to make things happen, or else. The clock was ticking. He preferred to catch the perp during a proactive hunt versus a reactive shootout amid thousands of spectators. Damn, he was as tense now as Reid and Mench were earlier. Well , he thought, maybe I’ll think clearer under pressure.

Eight o’clock rolled around way too soon. Mench woke Reid. Irritable and weary, he muttered a request for coffee, then immediately changed it to a double espresso. After a massage, Reid showered, dressed and left for the club.

On the driving range, Mike Kuplicki, a reporter, approached Reid. Joel stepped in front of Kuplicki, saying, “Sorry, not now.” “Get out of my way,” Kuplicki snapped. “I don’t think so, and if you don’t smarten up, you’re gonna regret it,”

Joel warned him calmly. “Don’t threaten me, pal. I’m here to do a job, and I’m gonna do it.”

He tried to walk around Joel saying, “Hey Reid…” Before he knew what happened, Kuplicki was pinned, his face in the dirt, with Joel holding his arm up behind his back. Joel quickly looked back, hoping the cameraman was not filming. He was relieved to see Stu with the camera in one hand and the cameraman’s arm twisted behind his back in his other hand.

“Wow, that was cool,” Reid said. “You know, that was the first time I’ve seen you two in action. You guys are good.” “Hey, you wanna let me up?” Kuplicki pleaded. “Are you going to leave Reid alone?” Joel asked. “Yeah, and I’m going to sue the hell out of you.” “Go right ahead; you think a judge is going to rule against us on this?