Dead Ball (the sequel to Sudden Death--Endorsed by John Lescroart) Read online

  A team of architects was hired to design AllSport. The only instructions they were given were to create two designs: one classic, one contemporary. Both were to include deluxe housing accommodations for one thousand with four cafeterias, two four-star quality restaurants, a state-of-the-art sports medicine and rehab facility, and an administration building with executive offices, boardroom, and an executive dining room. For relaxation purposes, they would build a movie theater and an arcade. The balance of the campus was a mixture of sports domes, arenas, stadiums, fields, and indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities. Horse stables and riding rings, both indoors and out were situated at the edge of the property. There was an area for all racquet sports; tennis, squash, racquetball, and paddle tennis. The golf training facility housed indoor and outdoor driving ranges, chipping and putting areas, bunkers with different types of sand, and a computer-aided driving system. There was even an indoor skiing facility for year-round ski training. Cross-country running/skiing trails weaved their way throughout the campus and the surrounding woods. AllSport was by far the biggest sports training camp in the world, and, as needed, additional buildings, fields, or arenas were designed and constructed. In fact, the original construction crew hired for the ground-breaking was still on the job full time.

  Tours were requested so often that a Tour Director, Gina Mattia, was hired with a staff of six. It was common to have as many as four simultaneous tours, and Gina scheduled them as far as six months in advance. Most prospective contributors wanted a tour and they usually wanted it led by Reid. Reid gave tours, but his schedule did not permit many. He tried to give one or two a month. Obviously those were reserved for the heavy hitters, people or companies looking to donate three million or more. These tours were an all-day event. Those on the tour were typically flown in on one of ICSF’s helicopters.

  After a quick discussion about the facility over breakfast, they started a three-hour morning tour of the campus. Then, following an elaborate lunch in one of AllSport’s restaurants, they watched a short film about past champions who AllSport had helped achieve success. After the film the guests got a special treat. They could either watch or participate in whatever sport they chose. This choice was made weeks prior to the tour, so that a competitive game could be scheduled. One team was comprised of teaching pros; the other team included seasoned AllSport athletes. The game, match, or whatever they played, was usually fiercely competitive. Generally, the audience for these games grew to include most of the athletes on campus. It gave up-and coming champions the chance to strut their stuff. These games were often more competitive and more fun to watch than a pro game, especially when ICSF trainees took the lead. If the touring guest was in shape and wanted to play, he had to sign a waiver beforehand. Depending on the chosen sport, the guest could opt for a one-hour lesson from the top pro on campus at the time. The most requested activity was eighteen holes of golf with Reid.

  Finally, the day would end with dinner in the executive dining room. Guests were aware that at this time they were expected to write a check. Then, depending on the size of the donation, they were presented with the coveted ICSF ring. These rings, designed and made by Tiffany’s, came in either gold or platinum and had five spots for diamonds. A one million-dollar donor was presented with a gold ring with one diamond in it. When the next million was gifted, a second diamond was inserted. This continued until the ring was full. A five million-dollar contributor received a platinum ring with all five diamonds in place. The rings were worn by most of their owners with pride. They were seen at every society gathering in the country. A simple shake of the hand would let someone know he was in the presence of a member of the elite ICSF club. The club had grown to about 300 members. Once a year they all got together for a fun-filled weekend of activities and dining at AllSport.

  3

  As Reid had requested, the minute Jay Scott and Buck Green landed, Al escorted them to the executive boardroom. Upon entering the walnut-paneled room, Buck and Jay approached Reid. Jay was close to six foot tall with a slim athletic physique and a receding hairline of short-dark hair. His neatly trimmed goatee gave him an air of intensity. He shook Reid’s hand telling him how sorry he was. Buck placed his cigar in an ashtray and gave his friend a bone-crushing bear hug during which both men’s eyes filled with tears.

  Allowing the emotional moment to pass, Jay said, “I’m going over to the scene now, if any one wants to join me. I’d like to meet back here in an hour. I’m afraid it’s going to be a long day, gentlemen.”

  “I’ll come with you, Jay,” Al said. “I need to know what’s going on, especially if you’re going to be using my staff.”

  After Jay and Al left the room, Buck asked Reid, “Hey, are you sure you’re OK?”

  “I was until I called Karen. I haven’t been able to concentrate since then. I guess I’m kind of numb, but I don’t think it’s really hit me yet. Buck, I can’t believe he’s gone. Who the fuck would shoot him and why? I swear, I’m gonna get whoever did this, if it’s the last thing I do.”

  “What you need to do is take it easy. Let Jay handle the investigation. We need to help Art keep this place in control. It’s going to get a little messy around here. The press is going to be all over us. It’s going to be a media circus, and you, my friend, have to promise me that you won’t be too explosive.”

  “I’ll stay calm as long as they don’t push me too far.”

  “No, Reid, it’s got to be different this time. The press is going to hound you, but you’ve got to keep your cool. It’s not just your reputation at stake any more. It’s AllSport and the entire foundation which have both gotten much bigger than just you and me. We have a lot of people who depend on us to do the right thing. I can help control things when it’s just Reid Clark versus the press, but there’s too much at stake now.”

  “You’re right.”

  Buck was silent for a moment. “That’s it? No argument? No yelling? No telling me to mind my own business? What are you, getting soft?”

  “Yeah, Buck, I guess so,” Reid sighed. “This is all just too much for me. You know he was like a brother to me. I feel so damn empty.” After a short silence he added, “Buck, I’m going to need you just to be my friend for a few days. Not my agent, just a friend. OK?”

  “You got it. Anything you need, I’m here.”

  Tears welled up in Reid’s eyes and trickled down his cheeks. Buck walked over and put a hand on his shoulder.

  While Buck was commiserating with his friend, Jay Scott reached the crime scene, which by this time had been cordoned off with yellow plastic police tape. He flipped his badge at the officer on duty, who responded, “No badge necessary for you, Mr. Scott, go ahead.” Jay ducked under the waist-high tape and walked carefully towards the body. The scene was being kept intact until the investigators had inspected everything rigorously.

  From behind, Jay heard a loud gruff voice, “Well, if it isn’t the infamous Jay Scott; I knew you had to show up sooner or later.”

  “Hey, Dave,” Jay responded to Dave Wheeler, the Chief of Police. “What have we got?”

  “Looks like the body was shot elsewhere and dumped here,” said Wheeler. “The bullet entered just above the left temple and exited behind the right ear, and took a lot of skull with it. Not a pretty sight. Want to take a look?”

  “Yeah, I do. Why do you think he was shot someplace else?”

  “Too clean. No blood, no mess. No sign of the displaced skull anywhere. No bullet. Interesting thing is there’s no trail of blood either. Like they put a bag or towel over the head, then moved it here and took off the cover.”

  “Let me see.” Jay walked over to the body.

  A heavyset man in a light beige suit was crouched next to the body, studying it. He stood and reached to shake Jay’s hand, introducing himself in a raspy smoker’s voice, “Jim Baxter, County Coroner.” Jay shook his hand and introduced himself. “No need, Mr. Scott, we all know who you are.”

  “Call me Jay. What have you fou
nd?”

  “Time of death, probably around five a.m. Rigor has started to set in. Body was definitely brought here after death. If I had to guess, we are dealing with a long-range shot from a high-powered rifle. Looks like it entered high and exited low. Probably a sniper shot from a window or rooftop or tree.”

  “Thanks, Jim. I’ll be in touch. I think I’m gonna need a lot of help on this one.”

  “No problem. I’ll be happy to help any way I can.”

  Chief Wheeler had walked up by this time, and he asked, “Jay, you think it’s connected to Reid’s threats in any way?”

  “It’s a strong possibility. I could see the punks from Slam, the gang that threatened Reid, offing someone in retaliation. It would explain why they dumped the body where it would obviously be found. Revenge for locking up one of their members makes sense.”

  “But why would they kill Bob instead of Reid?”

  “Good question, Dave. At this point I’m just thinking out loud.”

  “Yeah, it looks like you and I are going to be doing a lot of that for a while.”

  “I’ll say. Speaking of that, I hope you’re ready to work with me on this one.”

  “You know me, Jay, I’m a team player.”

  “Oh right, give me a break. I thought you were going to have a stroke when I brought my guys in to handle security at AllSport after the attempt on Reid.”

  “I just had to get used to it. This was just a sleepy little town before AllSport. I was used to handling everything on my own. Things have changed and so have I.”

  “Good, I think we can work together well.”

  “You’ll have the full cooperation of my department. I only hope I can expect the same from your team,” said Wheeler.

  “What are you implying?”

  “Don’t play that game with me. You know some of your guys are hotheads. Their elitist attitudes can really piss you off sometimes. My guys complain about them all the time.”

  “I’ll talk to them.”

  “Good,” Wheeler replied.

  “In the meantime, we need to figure out where Bob was shot. Have you found any footprints or tread marks?”

  “We’re working on that now. It’ll be tough. There’s a lot of traffic around here daily, both foot and vehicle.”

  “All right, I’ve seen what I need to for now. Will you join me for a quick meeting with Reid and the others?”

  “When?”

  “I was hoping now, if you can?”

  Wheeler thought about it for a moment then said, “All right, I need to ask Reid a few questions anyway.” He turned to one of his detectives and said, “Hey, John, come with us.”

  John Samson was Wheeler’s Lieutenant Detective. “Give me a minute,” he replied in an annoyed tone.

  Jay looked at Wheeler with a raised brow.

  Dave quietly answered his implied question. “He’s good; he just doesn’t like to be interrupted when he’s in the middle of an investigation.”

  Samson was known to be a tough cop. He was about six-two and had a muscular, weightlifter’s build. He worked his cases his way and didn’t like being told what to do and when. He was smart enough to show his superiors just enough respect to keep them appeased. He had solved enough cases to be given some room and most of the department, including his own men, stayed clear when he was caught up in something.

  “Whatever, he’s your man,” Jay commented.

  Samson continued what he was doing for another minute. Jay wasn’t sure if he was doing something important or just trying to piss them off. Either way, Jay was getting irritated.

  “Al, let’s go. Dave, you can come now or join us when he’s done, whatever you want.”

  “We’re coming now, just give me a second.” Wheeler walked over to Samson and quietly said something.

  Samson stood and, a little louder than appropriate, he growled, “Fine!” They both walked over and got in the four-seat golf cart with Jay and Al. John intentionally avoided looking at either of them. Dave decided to hold off on introductions till later.

  When everyone was assembled in the boardroom, Jay looked at Reid. His eyes were red and puffy, obviously from crying. Jay said, “Reid, are you sure you’re ready for this?”

  “Sure? No. But go ahead, I’ll manage.”

  “OK.” Jay turned toward Wheeler. “Dave, this is your show, why don’t you brief everyone.”

  “Thanks, Jay.” He looked at the group. “OK, folks, well, the coroner has put the time of death at around five a.m. The last place Bob was seen alive was in a meeting last night in his office. He left late. We’re told he usually worked out in one of the campus gyms or went for an early run before coming to the office. I don’t think he made it here though. His car is not on the grounds. It looks as if he was shot elsewhere and brought here to be found. I’ve got two cruisers searching for his car. By the way, Reid, do you have any ideas where we should look besides his condo?”

  “He usually stopped for coffee at the deli on Route 78, but I can’t imagine he would have done that at five. He usually worked out, then got to the office at around eight-thirty. If he stopped at the deli, it would have been around six.”

  “Maybe he had an early appointment,” Dave replied.

  Reid shrugged. “It’s possible.”

  “Have you looked at his calendar?” Buck asked.

  “Not yet,” said Wheeler.

  “OK, Dave, is there anything you need from us?” asked Jay.

  “Well, as difficult as this is for me to admit, I’m going to say it. I’d like you to head up this investigation, if you would. We both know this is over my head. I’ve only dealt with two murders up here, one was the result of a bar fight and the other was domestic; the woman shot her abusive, alcoholic husband in self-defense. This case will be solved much faster if you take the lead. You will have the support of my entire department.”

  Samson sat quietly, closed his eyes, and slowly shook his head at this statement.

  “All right, I’ll lead, but I’m going to need total cooperation from everyone on your team.” He said this looking directly at Samson.

  John gave back a blank stare.

  Seeing John’s cavalier look annoyed Dave. He said, “I told you you’d have it, Jay, and I meant it. If anyone doesn’t cooperate, he’ll be dealt with.”

  “Good. OK, Reid, Buck, I’m going to need to use one of the conference rooms as a base office. I’ll need some rooms for my people to live in and I’ll need one of the choppers. I want to hold a campus-wide meeting ASAP. How quickly can you arrange it, and where?”

  “We better do it at Eagle Stadium,” Buck said. “It’s the only place everyone will fit. I’ll get it set up in about an hour. We’ll televise it on the campus station in case some people can’t make it.”

  “Very good. Dave, I’d like your team there as well.”

  “Of course.”

  “All right.” He looked at the clock on the wall. “It’s ten after one, and I’d like to hold the meeting at two-thirty, which should last only about a half hour. Then I want to start interviews with Bob’s staff. Art, can you spread the word about the meeting?”

  “Sure,” Art replied.

  Everyone left except Reid and Jay. “Reid, if you’re up to it, can you call the accounting department and have them ready to meet with us individually around three-fifteen? I’d like to start with the top managers and work down. You said there are about twenty-five people, right?”

  “About,” Reid said.

  “Let’s try to schedule each of them for a ten-minute meeting with a ten-minute break after each six interviews. Unless anything extraordinary comes up that will take us till around eight p.m. If you and Buck can handle it, I’d like to have you with me. If not, I’ll take care of it.”

  “No, I need to be part of this. I might get a little emotional every so often, but I’ve got to do it. For the life of me, I can’t understand why this happened. Bob was a good guy.”

  “Didn’t you tell me tha
t Bob was one of your partners in that golf club deal that went bad?” Jay asked.

  “Yeah, so?”

  “Didn’t you list the other partners as possible suspects when you started receiving threats?”

  “Yes, but that was my deal. The others were upset with me for not keeping the deal alive with more funding. Bob was only a small investor, and they had no problem with him.”

  “But it is a possibility, right?”

  “I guess anything is possible, but I just don’t see it,” said Reid.

  “I’m only trying to prove a point. There is probably no connection, but we have to look at every possibility.”

  “You have nothing to prove to me. You’re here because I’m convinced you’re the right guy for the job. Do what you need to do.”

  “That’s the right attitude, but you’re not going to like what I have to do. When you’re ready, and the sooner the better, I need to interview you. You and Bob were close for a long time. I’m sure you’ll reveal things that will help the investigation without even realizing it. Just let me know when you’re ready. OK?”

  “Sure. Maybe we can do it tonight. Let’s see how the other interviews go.”

  “Right.” Jay looked at his watch. “We should get over to the stadium since it’s almost time.”

  “Let me call Lisa in accounting and then we can go.”

  Reid dialed the phone and informed Lisa of the interview schedule. He also inquired if she knew about the meeting at Eagle Stadium. Of course she knew. If there was one thing about Art, he got the job done quickly.