Sudden Death (2 page)

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.

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 unconditional 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.