Sudden Death

  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.

  Finally, Carl burst out laughing. “So, Buck, you’re testing us to see if we have the balls,” he continued to laugh. “Well congratulations, you win the biggest balls award. No one has ever tried a stunt like this. I love it. If Reid wins the Masters, we pay an extra $15 million. If he loses, we save $15 million. The funny thing is, if Reid wins the Masters just before we start our ad campaign, our increased profits should be more than adequate to cover the overage.” Carl shook his head as he stared directly at Buck. “Buck, you are amazing.” Carl turned toward Reid, his brown eyes glowing. “Reid, I hope you know how lucky you are to have him representing you.”

  Reid nodded anxiously as Carl looked around at his team, then back at Buck.

  “Gentlemen, typically in negotiations like this, we would need at least a few days to make a decision, but Buck, your challenge works for us either way,” Carl announced firmly, placing both palms on the table. “Therefore… we accept!” The CEO of Eagle stood up and reached across the table to shake hands with Buck. “You’re good, Buck!”

  Reid’s sigh of relief had been obvious to all. Carl shook his hand. “Welcome aboard, I’m looking forward to having you on our team. Gentlemen, let’s hear it for Eagle’s newest member and to his winning the Masters.”

  After a quick round of applause and congratulations, Carl called down to the Atrium to check on their lunch. He hung up the phone and said, “Lunch isn’t ready yet. Let’s all go have a drink.”

  Reid was in shock. He couldn’t believe it. He needed to sit for a short while. Buck said, “Come on, let’s go.” “Go ahead, I’ll be there in a few minutes.” The room cleared and Reid just sat there. My God, he said to himself. He chuckled out loud as he thought, I have more money than I could ever spend in a lifetime. And to think, I wanted to play pro football. For the first time in a long time, he wanted to call his mother just to share the good news. He relished the thought that he had something to impress her with. He grabbed the phone and dialed. When she picked up he said, “Hi,

  Mom.” “Oh my goodness, Reid, is that really you?” Joan Clark responded. “Yes, Mom, it’s me. How are you?” “Are you all right?” she asked without answering his question. “What’s the matter? You’re in Augusta, aren’t you?” “I’m fine, Mom, and yes, I’m in Augusta. I just wanted to tell you the good news.” “Are you sure you’re okay? You never call me.” “I know, I know. I just wanted to share what just happened here. I just had a meeting with Buck and the CEO of Eagle. Mom, they just agreed to a $100 million endorsement contract.”

  “Oh my God!” she gasped. “Reid that’s wonderful… Dear, promise me you’ll be careful. You know, that kind of money can bring about as much bad as good.”

  “Don’t worry, Mom, I’ll be careful.” Reid smiled. It felt great to final ly have news that was good enough, even for her. Her uncondi
tional love made him feel good, yet guilty. It also reaffirmed that what he was about to do was not only right, but necessary.

  “Mom, there are two things I’d like you to do tomorrow. First, I want you to call your friend, I forget her name. You know, the real estate broker.” “Angela. Angela Stehlik. Why?” “Because I’m buying you a house, Mom. Have her start looking in the two million-dollar range.” He continued without giving her a chance to respond. “Then I want you to call your cousin Joe over at his dealership. I’m buying you a Caddy. No arguments, okay?” “Reid you don’t have to do this.” “Mom, I don’t have time to argue right now. Please make the calls, it’s what I want. I will be up to visit as soon as I can. I’ve got to go.” “Oh honey, I’m so proud of you! Please come see me soon. I miss you.” “I promise I will. ‘Bye, Mom.” “‘Bye dear,” she said and hung up. He felt much better after the call. Okay, he thought, time to go join the celebration. On his way, Reid stopped in the gift shop. He bought two thank-you cards, one for Buck and one for his mother. He filled Buck’s out quickly.

  Walking to the Atrium, he briefly thought about Jennifer, his girl friend. He knew he should tell her about the endorsement soon. If she found out about it through the press, there would be hell to pay. Oh well, he would worry about it later. Now it was time to party!

  A round of applause broke out as Reid entered the dining room. He walked to the empty seat between Buck and Carl, grabbed the nearest glass of champagne and raised it. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to make a toast. I want to thank you all and I want to commit to you that I will do everything possible to be the type of spokesman Eagle will be proud of.” He glanced at Carl, “Carl, I am very excited to work with you and your team.” Turning to face Buck, he said, “Buck, once again, you surprised me.” Looking forward at the group, he continued, “Folks, I had no idea what Buck had in store for you all at the meeting. What I do know is that you need to be prepared to write out the check for the extra $15 million, because I didn’t come to Augusta to lose.” He raised his glass a little higher. “Here’s to making Eagle enough additional money so that paying me will be a small expense. Thank you all.” He sat back down. The room erupted in applause and yells of, “Hear, hear.” Carl stood up next. “I promise I’ll keep this short.” “Hear, hear,” came from a member of Team Eagle with a chuckle. “Very funny,” Carl continued. “Reid, borrowing your expression, we didn’t come to Augusta to watch you lose. I am equally excited to work with you. Here’s to a long lasting, profitable relationship.” Again, “Hear, hears,” were babbled around the room. Buck stood up and said, “Well folks, time for an admission. I usually make it a habit of keeping my negotiation emotions to myself, but what you all witnessed upstairs was the most exhilarating as well as the most nerve-wracking half-hour of my life. Here’s to a winning combination, Reid Clark and Team Eagle.” A final round of, “Hear, Hears,” was said in unison. “Okay, let’s eat, this looks delicious,” Buck said as he sat down. Platters of mouth-watering salads adorned the table. While they ate Tarragon Lobster, Waldorf and Nicoise salads, a trio played various jazz and classical tunes on the far side of the room. Everyone was finishing lunch and things had quieted down when all of a sudden, a pretty young woman wearing a dowdy brown uniform barged in. “I’m looking for Reid Clark. I need his signature for a delivery,” she said forcefully.

  All eyes turned to Reid, who slowly raised his hand and said, “Over here.”

  She waltzed over, handed him an overnight envelope and said, “First open the letter. Then I need two signatures.” With a look of doubt, he asked, “You want me to open and then sign?” “Yup, those are my orders,” she said. He opened the envelope and took out a large card that had one word on it: SURPRISE. The delivery girl immediately opened her shirt, exposing her large bare breasts. “Please sign here and here,” she said pointing at each breast. The group cheered as the musicians played the appropriate music while the girl stripped and did a lap-dance for Reid. Reid’s face turned crimson, and he laughed along with the others.

  When she finished her dance, the girl leaned over and gave Reid a big wet kiss and said, “Congratulations from Carl and the entire Eagle team.”

  Reid laughed, gave her a pat on her ass and said, “Thank you.” Once again Reid stood up and said, “Thank you all. I can tell we are going to have a lot of fun together. I just hope the fun doesn’t get any more embarrassing.”

  The luncheon came to an end, and as Buck, Reid and Carl left the room, Carl told the others, “Enjoy your afternoon; let’s meet back in the bar at 7:30 for drinks before we leave for dinner.”

  Chapter 3

  The message light on the phone was blinking as Reid and Buck entered the suite. Reid said, “You can check the messages; they’re probably all for you anyway. Oh, by the way, here.” He handed Buck the thank-you card, then went into his room and closed the door.

  He sat at the desk and pulled out the card he bought for his mother. Leaning back, he contemplated what to write. A convoluted mixture of guilt and fear crept into his mind. He knew he needed to apologize for avoiding his mother, but at the same time, his recurring thoughts of doom left him with an empty feeling; what if this apology was too late? What if something happened to him before he had a chance to see her again? Overcome with worry, he reached up, put his hands over his face and rubbed aggressively, trying to erase the torment from his mind. That’s it, he thought, I have to change, I’m going to start being nice to people; Mom, my sisters, my fans, hell, even the press. It would definitely be better to have the press as friends rather than enemies. After a deep sigh, his mind shifted gears and he quietly chuckled. He thought how ludicrous his situation was. Here he sat, having negotiated an unbelievably huge endorsement contract and expecting to fulfill his lifelong dream of winning the coveted Green Jacket, and instead of elation, his brain was overwrought with dreadful thoughts. He groaned out loud and shook his head. I need to write this card, then go swim some laps, he thought. The cold water will shock this nonsense from my head. He was glad at least that he had invited his sisters to fly down and watch him play in the tournament. He leaned forward and began writing:

  Dear Mom,

  I just wanted to say thank you for everything. I know how difficult I was when I was young, but you were always there for me. I know lately I have been out of touch. I’m sorry. I am going to change that starting now. I love you! Reid He stuffed the card in the envelope and addressed it. He then quickly threw on a bathing suit and T-shirt, grabbed the card and walked out to the living room.

  Buck was sitting on the couch with the phone at his ear and a scowl on his face. He looked at Reid and held up a finger, signaling that he would be off in a minute. Reid sat down and turned on the TV quietly as Buck yelled at Alvin Carey.

  When Buck finally hung up, he turned to Reid and said, “Sorry, he just pisses me off. He is so damn talented but he just can’t keep it zipped up, his mouth or his fly.” Then he started to laugh. “Kind of sounds familiar, huh? By the way, one of the messages was from Jennifer. She asked if she could have another credit card with a higher limit, ‘cause the first one is tapped out.”

  “What?” Reid yelled. “That card has a $15,000 limit. I’m gonna kill her.” Buck laughed. “I’m only kidding. She just asked you to call her.” “Very funny! I never know with her. I’ll call her later. Let’s go to the pool.” “You go; I need to make a few more calls. I’ll be down soon.” Reid went to the lobby and asked the concierge to mail his mother’s card. He turned and walked out to the pool. The chairs on the sunny side of the pool were packed. Reid, not in a sociable mood, went to the shady side, removed his shirt and threw it on a lounge chair. He walked to the deep end and evaluated if he had enough room to do laps without swimming into the group of kids horsing around in the shallow end. If he stayed close to the edge, he could avoid them.

  He tested the water with his toe, then dove in. He swam the length of the pool underwater, then surfaced and swam a few laps. On his third lap, he swa
m into one of the kids, who had carelessly jumped into Reid’s lane. Infuriated, he stood up to yell. When he noticed the whole group watching him, he quickly put his anger in check. Forcing a smile, he said, “Hey kids, what’s up?” He asked them all their names and said, “I’m Reid Clark.” “Duh,” goofed one of them, sending the others into hysterics. “Okay, wise guys. Who wants to race me across the pool?” A girl and the boy who had made the wisecrack came forward together and said in unison, “We do.” She was Samantha and he was Alex. They were cute kids with bright eyes and big smiles.

  “Okay, everyone, if Sam or Alex beat me, you all get ice cream sundaes. If I win, you all get ice cream sundaes.”

  “Cool, we win no matter what! Can we get autographs too?” another boy asked. “Sure, why not?” Reid said, thinking, Did I really just agree to that? By this time, the kid’s parents had gathered around. Reid whispered to one of the fathers, “Can you go to the front desk and ask them to bring a cart out with all the makings for ice cream sundaes? Enough for 30.” The father said, “Sure, Mr. Clark, but there are only 10 kids.” “Yeah, and each has two parents,” Reid said. The father said with a grin, “Wow, are you the same Reid Clark I’ve been reading about?” He quickly added, “Sorry, only fooling.” “No problem, I’m pretty sure I deserved that. Hey, can I add one more favor?” “Name it.” “Would you go to the gift shop and get a dozen golf balls, preferably Eagle, a dozen Masters or Augusta golf caps and a permanent marker? Charge it all to my room, suite 527. Okay?” “Of course, Mr. Clark, I’ll be right back.” “Thanks. Hey, get yourself a cigar too, that is, if you smoke ‘em.” “Wow, excellent! Thanks, Mr. Clark.” “Call me Reid.” Sam and Alex were ready to race. Reid joined them in the water, at the edge of the pool. He asked the other kids to count down from five to start the race. Reid planned to let one of the kids win. “Are you guys ready?” “Yes,” Sam and Alex said in unison. “Okay kids,” he said to the others, “let it rip.” “Five-four-three-two-one go,” they shouted. Reid pushed off nice and easy and started to swim. He immediately realized that he didn’t have to let Sam win. The girl was a fish. She was beating him easily. Trying hard to catch up, Reid finished about two strokes behind her with Alex right behind. He didn’t realize until he lifted his head out of the water that the race had drawn a large audience both at the pool and on the balconies. Everyone was cheering for Sam.