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“We considered that.” Agent Liponsky’s voice was flat and direct. “But as you’ll see when you read the letter, so did the killer. He’s provided numerous details about the first killing-how John McCree was killed, what was the weapon, where on the body it struck. None of this information has been released to the public. No, we don’t think there’s much doubt. Whoever wrote this letter is the killer-or at the least, is working with the killer.”
“Why does he think the tournament officials will pony up?” Co
“The negative publicity has already hit them hard. Imagine if a third person is killed, and word gets out that the tournament officials could’ve stopped it, but didn’t, because they didn’t want to part with any of their profits.”
“That would be devastating.”
“That would be the end of the Masters. Te
“And you’re going to let them pay?”
“It’s the safest course of action,” Liponsky explained. “We don’t want to see anyone else get killed, either. Of course, when the drop goes down, we’ll be watching.”
“That goes for the FBI and the Augusta PD,” O’Brien added.
Co
Liponsky and O’Brien exchanged another look.
“Read the fine print,” O’Brien advised.
Co
“Down here,” O’Brien said. She pointed to the key line at the bottom of the page.
Co
The killer demanded that the million in cash be delivered to a yet-to-be-designated location late that night-
By Co
Alone.
21
“Wow,” Co
“That was pretty much our reaction,” O’Brien replied.
“But why me?”
“Actually,” Liponsky said, “we were hoping you might be able to answer that question for us.”
“I’m clueless,” Co
“Our first thought was that you’re the killer, and you’re pla
Co
Artemus Te
“I know we’ve had our differences in the past,” Te
Co
Te
“That would be a tough end for the bastion of tradition and excellence.”
“Yes, it would. So we’ll pay the money. But it must be kept confidential. The club has been having some serious financial problems of late.”
“Say it ain’t so.”
“I’m afraid it is. Our funds are unaccountably lower than average this year, and thus far we have been unable to determine why. Believe me when I say we can’t afford the losses we’d suffer if the tournament were canceled.”
As astonishing as it seemed, Co
“Don’t you have insurance?” Co
Te
“As you recall?”
“Haven’t looked at the thing in years.” Te
“So,” O’Brien said to Co
Co
“That probably isn’t how I would’ve phrased it, but… yeah.”
“Sure,” he said, handing the fax back to her. “Sounds like fun.”
By one in the afternoon, Co
Co
The caddie’s lips were pursed tight. “I’d like a word with you in private first.”
“I’d love to, Fitz, but see, I’m in this golf tournament-”
“That’s why I want to talk to you.”
“-and if I don’t show up on time, they’ll disqualify me.”
“If you don’t play any better than you have so far, you’d be better off disqualified.”
“That would be humiliating.”
“It would be a mercy killing. Now, listen up, buster, and listen up good.”
Co
“You’re damn right. And long overdue, too.”
“Look, Fitz-I’m in no mood for a lecture.”
“Just shut up and listen.”
Co
“How long have you been on the tour now?”
As if Fitz didn’t already know. “This is my third year.”
“And in that magnificent stretch of time, what exactly have you accomplished?”
Co
Fitz grimaced. “And what exactly has that gotten you?”
“I have a following.”
“Charles Manson had a following. So what? What else has it gotten you?”
Co
“I’ll tell you what it’s gotten you. Absolutely nothing.”
“I have my own personality, Fitz, and I plan to keep it. I’m not going to turn into one of those PGA zombies.”
“I’m not talking about your attitude, sorry though it is. I’m talking about your game.”
“You said I have one of the best drives in the business. As good or better than Tiger Woods.”
“Yeah, but your putting game stinks. Because putting requires concentration, focus, resolve-all the qualities you’ve held back. And for that matter your driving game is erratic, because it can’t overcome your unfailing tendency to make stupid decisions!”
“Aren’t you being a bit harsh?”
Fitz ignored him. “This tournament is a perfect example. Your performance has been abominable.”
“Now wait a minute. There have been some pretty damn extenuating circumstances, Fitz. My best friend died!”
“I know that. Why do you think we’re having this talk?” His eyes were narrow and electric. “John McCree made a lot of personal sacrifices to get you on the tour. And you’re throwing it all away!”