Chapter 24

The group walked the front nine, listening as Reid explained his plan of attack for the course. He discussed some of the tougher holes and the possibilities of hitting lay-ups versus long shots. Ball placement achieving the best approach to the green was critical.

“This is so beautiful,” Shane said. “Now I understand why my friends have been trying to get me to play for so long. Well, I guess it’s time for me to start, huh?”

Reid turned toward her and with a deadpan face said, “Wait a minute, you don’t play golf? I don’t believe this. Somebody get her out of here! I can’t be with this woman any longer.”

Silence followed, accompanied by looks of astonishment on many faces. Finally, Reid started to laugh. “Wow, you all thought I was serious? You really think I’m a jerk, huh?” Everyone nodded and Shane slugged him in the arm. “Ow! Don’t do that, I’ve got a big tournament coming up,” he said with another laugh. “Where did you learn to punch like that anyway?” “From two overprotective big brothers, so consider yourself forewarned.” “Duly noted. Alright,” he said rubbing his arm. “In all seriousness, I’m really looking forward to teaching you how to play.” He turned and gave her a hug. “That’s better,” she responded. They walked the last few holes holding hands. When they got back to the clubhouse, there was some commotion at the valet parking desk. A car had been stolen from the lot. It was a Porsche and Reid quickly learned that it belonged to Jim Turner, one of the golfers he had placed on the suspect list. Turner, at the moment, was yelling at the valet manager. “How could you let this happen, you idiot?” he growled.

Reid couldn’t help himself. He walked up to Turner and said obnox iously, “Oh, Jim, your car was stolen? What a bummer. Hope you have better luck on the golf course.” “Fuck you, Reid,” Turner said, steaming. “Right back at you, bud,” Reid said as he turned and walked away. “Dammit, Reid,” Joel said, “don’t pull shit like that.” “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. He’s a jerk.” “I mean it, Reid, cut it out. Do not provoke anyone else. You seem to forget that someone threatened your life. You need to take it more seriously. Besides, the guy’s car was just stolen.”

“Okay, no argument, you’re right. Let’s go get the vans, since the park ing attendants are all caught up in that nonsense.” He turned and yelled to the others, “We’ll be right back. We’re going to get the vans.”

The two men walked to the vans and each climbed into one. Reid start ed his and was just about to put it in gear when Joel gave a quick honk to get Reid’s attention. Joel was waving him over. Reid got out of the van and approached Joel. “This was under the wiper on the windshield,” Joel said. It was an envelope with Reid’s name printed on it. An icy chill ran through Reid as he reached for the envelope with a trembling hand. He weakened as blood drained from his head. He quickly grabbed hold of the side-view mirror to keep from falling.

Joel awkwardly reached for Reid’s shoulder through the open window, trying to help stabilize him. “Breath deeply,” Joel said. “Take it nice and easy.” Joel waited until he saw the color come back to Reid’s face. “Are you okay?”

Reid took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “Yeah…I guess.” He slow ly let go of the mirror and tested his shaky legs. Joel was still holding him through the window. “Can I let go?” Reid nodded and took another deep breath. He looked at the envelope.

“Why don’t you open it and read it to me.” Joel nodded and carefully opened it up. He unfolded a blue note and read:

I don’t care how much security you have,

They can’t stop my bullet. Don’t win the classic.

Reid started to shake again. He fell to his knees and heaved. Joel couldn’t open the van door without hitting him. He climbed out the passenger door and ran around the van. He put his palm on Reid’s back as he retched violently.

Reid remained hunched over for another minute. He waited until his breathing and heart rate stabilized. Then he slowly stood up with Joel’s help. “Is there a towel in the van that I can clean up with?” “I’ll go check. Can you stand on your own?” “I think so.” Joel came back with a couple of towels. Reid wiped his face and hands and asked Joel to get the waterless sanitizer and a clean shirt from his bag in the other van. He cleaned himself up and asked for an inspection.

“You look pretty good; this should do it.” Joel handed him a stick of gum.

Munching on the gum, Reid asked, “You think whoever did this stole the Porsche?” “That would be my guess,” Joel answered. “Let’s not tell everyone about this. You tell Stu, and when we get back to the house, we’ll call Jay.” “Agreed. Do you feel well enough to drive?” “Yeah.” They drove to the clubhouse and everyone piled in. Reid was very reserved on the ride home. “Are you okay? You’re so quiet,” Shane said. “I’m fine, thanks,” he lied. “Just thinking about the tournament.” They drove the rest of the way without much talk. Jared and Judy, protection team three, were already at the house when they arrived. “I’ve got to pick up the fried chicken and salads for our picnic,” Joan said. “How many will we be?” “Get enough for 25,” Reid said. “Those not coming with us will eat here.” He handed her some cash. “Good thinking,” she said. “Who’s coming with me?” Hunter, Judy and Jared all went with Joan. Joel, Stu and Reid went into the den and closed the door. They called Jay on speakerphone and told him about the note and Turner’s stolen Porshe.

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.