by Saxon Andrew
Trevor said, “You can stay with me until you leave for Florida. You might want to leave in the morning.” Lukas nodded. “I’ll tell Jack you had to go home due to family problems.”
Lukas looked at him and started to say no…but if Salud was giving up everything, he should as well. He was going to miss his friends at the restaurant. “What are they saying?”
The Wrist Unit said, “They’ve detected an abnormal magnetic reading. They’re having difficulty triangulating on it so they’ve ordered new equipment. They’ll come back tomorrow after it arrives.”
“Are they going to leave anyone behind?”
“Not tonight. The area they’ve localized includes thirty square blocks. They’ll do that tomorrow.”
Lukas nodded and went back into the bedroom and began disconnecting the laptop. He put it in a computer case and handed it to Salud, “Take this home and restart it.”
Salud nodded, “What about your rent here?”
“I’m paid up for the year. The owners have been away for the winter and they won’t know when I was last here. If the government uncovers anything, maybe they’ll think I left with the pod.”
Trevor said, “They’ve left. We need to get out of here.”
Lukas picked up a suitcase and Joey said, “You were prepared for this weren’t you?”
“The sonic boom is what brought them here. We’ll meet at Trevor’s tomorrow night and finalize our plans.” The three humans walked out the door and Lucas put the key on floor just inside the door and closed it behind him. He followed them down the stairs and already missed his first home. Things were moving faster than he planned.
Chapter Eleven
Lukas sat on the plane and thought about Salud. She was remarkable and her willingness to stay with him through his plans surprised him. She was incredibly intelligent and she knew the dangers of what he was undertaking. He closed his eyes and saw her face. Her brown hair tied in a ponytail and her brown eyes sparkling with humor. She was five feet seven and was beautiful; he’d seen enough commercials to know what beauty was. He felt his attraction to her and knew it was due to his new genetics. But she knew he wasn’t human and that would make a difference; she couldn’t forget that difference. Truth be told, he couldn’t either.
He opened his eyes and looked down at the clouds far below the plane. He thought about his former life as a Welken Warrior. Once he passed the test to operate a blaster, his chance of ever having a mate was greatly reduced. If he managed to live to the age of thirty-five, he would be allowed to leave the military and start a family. Most never made it to twenty-five, much less thirty. And if he managed to find a mate, any children they had would be owned by the state. This species had a much better life than the Welken. Even those that fought to survive poverty and starvation were better off. He reclined his seat and thought about becoming a golfer.
He found the golf channel soon after he had cable added to his rent. The way the best golfers could hit a ball and make it go a specific distance and direction had him hooked. He didn’t know if he had the physical control to really be good at this sport…but he thought it would be fun to try. He also knew that if by some miracle he did, he couldn’t just win every time he played; that would cause too much suspicion. This was something for fun and he looked forward to learning the game even if he wasn’t any good at it. He stared at the clouds racing below the plane and wondered why he was compelled to become a golfer. Something was going to happen as a result and he had no idea what it would be but he knew he had to do it. He pressed the button on his Wrist Unit and thought, “Direct communication.”
“Connection made.”
“Have you scanned for information about golf?”
“I have and I’ve collected more than five hundred hours of video instruction.”
“How long will that take too download?”
“You should have it before your flight lands.”
Lukas closed his eyes, “Start the download.” He realized quickly that this sport wasn’t what he thought. The mechanics were so detailed and different for every situation. Different grasses called for different clubs. Elevation changed club selection. The wind made huge differences and there was no common rule on what club to use. You had to dig it out of the dirt with a set of golf clubs. He smiled, this challenge was going to be fun. He hadn’t had much fun, it was time he started. This would distract him while the funds were being generated to start the project. He thought about the sport and decided he would need to carry four wedges. Why was he doing this?
• • •
Salud walked out of her father’s jewelry store and blew out a breath. The temperature was in the forties, which was almost tropical for Boston in February. The two machines were on order and her father insisted he would have the diamonds she needed in time. The week had gone well and she was off for a long weekend. She looked up at the clock tower and saw it was ten thirty in the morning. She missed Lukas. He was in Stuart, Florida learning golf and she was stuck up here in the cold. What was wrong with this picture? She went to her car and thought for a moment. She pressed the telephone button on her steering wheel and after three rings she heard, “Hello, Salud. What’s going on?”
“I was thinking about you playing golf while I’m freezing up here. If this thing works out, I’m going to need some instruction on what a caddie is supposed to do.”
“Why don’t you fly down and spend a couple of days here? I’ll pick you up at the airport and you can book a late flight back on Sunday.”
Salud thought about what she had going on for the weekend and knew she had nothing on tap. What the heck, “I’ll check on a ticket and let you know.”
Lukas said, “There’s a flight out of Logan this afternoon at three thirty. You’ll arrive here at seven forty five.”
“How did you find out so fast?”
“I have a good personal organizer. What about it?”
Salud began jumping up and down in her seat and said, “Oh…alright. I need to go home and pack.”
“I’ll book the ticket for you. You can pick it up at the counter.”
“What airline?”
“Delta. I’ll be waiting for you this evening in the West Palm baggage claim.”
“I’ll probably not check a bag.”
“Good, meet me outside. I’ll be driving a white Kia rental.”
“See you tonight.” Salud ended the call and wondered what she was doing. She took a breath and started the BMW. The first thing she heard was the news channel saying another arctic blast was arriving at midnight and would drop temperatures down close to zero with subzero wind chill. She shook her head, turned out of the parking lot and headed toward her apartment. She felt a vibration and lifted her phone. A text had arrived and she stopped at a red light and opened it, “By the way, the temperature during the day is seventy eight and fifty eight at night. Plan your wardrobe accordingly.” She smiled and put the phone down. The light changed and she accelerated down Tremont. She looked forward to some warm weather. This winter had been a nightmare.
• • •
Salud stood with Lukas on the first Tee-box and looked down the long fairway. They were the first ones out and the morning air was still cool. But it felt great compared to what she had left behind in Boston. Lukas had handed her a small walking bag with his clubs in it; she found it was quite light; she expected the bag to be heavy. Lukas smiled and told her, “It’s light right now. After eighteen holes, you might feel differently.” Salud shrugged. Lukas looked at her, “Alright, let’s start teaching you how to be a caddie.”
“I know absolutely nothing about it.”
“That is probably a good thing. On the PGA, a golfer’s caddie is supposed to perform several duties.”
“Such as?”
“Club selection, keeping him stay focused and not allowing his emotions to get out of hand. They also help him read the slope on the green to determine how much a putt will break either l
eft or right.”
Salud stared at Lukas and shook her head, “I played in high school but that did not prepare me to do what you’re asking.”
“Actually, I’m going to be doing most of it. I’ll give you clues to make those around us think that you are making the decisions.”
“Such as?”
“Well, here we are on the first tee and there is a narrow fairway that dog legs to the left. Most golfers would not hit a driver here…”
“They would pull out a three wood.”
Lukas smiled, “Exactly right. Now pay attention. If I go to my bag and pull the driver completely out, say nothing.” Lukas pulled the driver out of the walking bag and Salud ran her index finger across her lips and turned an imaginary key. Lukas smiled as he put the Driver back I the bag, “Very good. Now if I pull the driver halfway out of the bag and pause, you should say to me, ‘I think you should use a three wood’.”
Lukas put the driver back in the bag and pulled it half way out again while staring at the fairway. Salud paused and Lukas said, “Ahem.”
Salud started and said, “I think you should use the three wood.”
Lukas put the driver back in the bag and Salud pulled out the three wood and handed it to him. He teed up a ball and ripped a drive down the fairway that drew slightly around the sand trap into the center of the fairway. Salud watched the shot and shook her head. Lukas handed her the wood and began walking down the fairway. Salud pushed the club in the bag and started jogging to catch him. Lukas said, “During a tournament, you should follow behind me about ten yards. You can use that time to clean the last club I used.”
Salud nodded, “I knew that. I’ve been watching the golf channel and noticed that caddies don’t walk next to the golfers.”
“You should also keep in mind that you should try to talk as little as possible. Just help with instructions and don’t ask questions.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’re supposed to know everything about my game and the game of golf. Don’t worry, you’ll pick it up quickly.” They arrived at Lukas’ ball and Lukas said, “Now this is a little more complicated than the t-box. If I stand over my shot with my arms crossed, you should ask me what I’m thinking.”
Lukas crossed his arms and Salud quickly said, “What are you thinking?”
Lukas said, “I think an eight iron will get me there.” He looked at her and smiled, “Now if my arms are crossed, you should say, ‘I really think a seven iron is the club.’” Salud stared at him and Lukas said, “Arms crossed, a longer club. Understand?” Salud nodded. “Now if my arms are at my side, you do the same thing but suggest a shorter club.”
“Why would I do that?”
Lukas shook his head, “Because that is the correct club to use. You can say the wind is stronger than I think or tell me I’m pumped up and should use a shorter club. The point is, arms down, shorter club. Arms crossed, longer club.”
“Are you going to do this on every shot?”
“No, if I look at you and ask for a club, just hand it to me. Only when I pause and stare at the hole for about ten seconds should you ask what I’m thinking. Let’s do this for the next several holes until you become accustomed to the pattern.”
Lukas crossed his arms and stared at the green. Salud watched him for a moment and then said, “Oh! What are you thinking?”
Lukas smiled, “I’m thinking an eight iron will get me there.”
Salud looked up at the trees and said, “I think you should use a seven iron, the wind is stronger than you think.”
Lukas nodded and Salud handed him a seven iron. He set up and swung the club tearing a divot out of the grass. The ball landed on the green twenty feet past the flag and then backed up to within two feet of the cup. Salud watched the shot and said, “Oh…My…God!
Lukas handed her the club and smiled, “I’ve been practicing.”
“No kidding.”
They arrived at the green and Lukas handed Salud the ball, “You should wipe it clean and then hand it back to me.” Salud took the ball and Lukas said, “I am going to walk around the ball and look at it from several different angles. When I come back and bend down to look at it, you come and look over my shoulder. Now if I hold the putter in my right hand that means the ball is going to break from the right to the left. If I hold the putter in my left hand…”
Salud said, “The putt is going to break left to right.”
Lukas looked at her, “And if it’s a straight putt?”
“You’ll put the putter directly in front of you.”
“Very good. Now you won’t say anything to me unless I ask.”
“Ok.” Lukas put the putter in his right hand and bent down. Salud moved up behind him and could see the green sloped to the left. Lukas stood up and she moved to the side. She learned from watching old golf matches on TV that it was a penalty for her to be behind him when he putted the ball. Lukas stroked the ball and it rolled up and stopped on the edge. “Oh that was close!”
Lukas nodded, “I intended to leave it short.”
Salud stared at him, “Why?”
“If I make every putt…”
Salud nodded, “Everyone will start wondering if you’re human.”
Lukas laughed and nodded. They headed for the second t-box and continued practicing what he had taught her for the remainder of the round. By the end, Lukas was surprised at how Salud was able to make her suggestions sound like she knew what she was doing. “Alright, are you up to another round after lunch?” Salud rubbed her shoulder. Lukas was right, the bag grew heavier as the day passed. Lukas said, “I’ll carry the bag this afternoon.”
“No, I have to get in shape to do this.”
Lukas nodded and said, “Ok, but don’t push yourself too far. You can buy a bag in Boston and work on your stamina.” They walked toward the clubhouse and Salud looked at him, “Lukas, are you going to be competitive?”
“I don’t know. There are some things about this game that can drive a sane man crazy. However, I think the course record for this course is nine under par. I’ve tied it.”
“Really?”
“I didn’t do it in one continuous round. I practiced on each hole but only played one ball through the round.”
Salud nodded, “I noticed that there were others watching us.”
“You’re right. I have to be careful.”
• • •
Salud sat on the plane going back to Boston Sunday night and dreaded the cold temperatures. She had spent the weekend with Lukas and saw that he was incredibly proficient with his golf clubs. Still, tournament pressure was quite different from just playing a round of golf. They had shared the condo and she slept in one room and him in the other. She thought about that…for the rest of the flight home.
Lukas dropped Salud off at the airport and headed back up I-95 to Port St. Lucie. She impressed him with how quickly she had learned the cues and made them sound normal. He was going to deliberately focus most of the attention he would generate, if he was competitive, on her. She didn’t know it…yet. He missed her. He shook his head and wondered what that meant. His cellphone rang and he pressed the telephone icon on the steering wheel, “Hello, Joey. It’s been a while.”
“How’s the golf going?”
“I’m making progress.”
“Will you be able to compete?”
“I believe so. What about my background?
“One of my operatives has found someone to help us out.”
“Who.”
“A long time employee that works in our Switzerland office had a son in Norway twenty two years ago. She moved to Paris where the child died at the age of ten. You’re going to use that child’s identity.”
“Won’t it be traced?”
“No. She’s moving back to Norway and that country doesn’t have the death recorded.”
Lukas smiled, “But they do have the birth.”
“Ex
actly. She has provided a background story that will withstand scrutiny. I’m sending it to you and you’ll need to memorize it.”
“Why is she doing this?”
“She loves my father. She’s always kept her distance from him after he married. I approached her and she was willing to do what we needed.”
“Can you trust her?”
“I can.”
“What if the reporters come snooping around?”
“She lives inside the arctic circle. They won’t find her easily.”
“If you think this will work…”
“She’s the reason you’re going to get the sponsor’s exemption.”
“What?”
“Her boy loves golf and this is my way of thanking her for thirty years of dedicated service to our business.” Joey paused and said, “I’m having a courier bring you your Switzerland Driver’s license and your United States Green Card.”
“Green Card?”
“Yes, you and your mother have dual citizenship. You’ve been working for me for the last three years.”
“How is that going to square with working at the restaurant in Boston?”
“The company sent you there to be a bodyguard and keep an eye out for my safety.”
Lukas shook his head, “You better send me the narrative so I can get up to speed. By the way, what’s my new name?”
“That’s the funny thing; her child’s name was Lukas.”
“That’s not funny, Joey.”
“Lukas, you having the same name as her son is why she has chosen to do this. This is beyond my ability to calculate what the odds are of both of you having the same name…”
“The odds are impossible, Joey.”
“Then you explain it. However, the courier will be at your condo in the morning.”
“Thanks Joey.”
“No problem. Good luck.”
“Joey!”
“Yeah.”
“Will you tell Salud?”