Double Fault at Roland Garros

by Jim Plautz

The final score was 21-9. Don Kojis, pro basketball player and former Marquette All American, congratulated Mathew. It was just a pick-up game at the Marquette gym, but Kojis had been taken to school. “Where do you play your college ball?”

  The boy replied, “I’m a senior in high school.” Kojis couldn’t believe it. He looked up at Al McGuire and mouthed the words, “high school” and pointed at the boy. Here is my shirt Mathew, you earned it” The new boy took off his shirt and put on his prize. He had being wearing his shirt inside out. Kojis could now read the lettering, Jerry West, #44, Lakers.

  “I’ve heard of you, “Kojis said with new respect. “You’re the high school kid from California that plays the Lakers’ players one-on-one and beats them? I heard West bragging about you.”

  The boy smiled as he answered, “yeah, I’ve played against West, Baylor, Goodrich and Chamberlain. Wilt is too tough, but I have had some luck against Jerry and Elgin. This shirt is my prized possession. I wasn’t going to lose it in a pickup game.”

  Ms. Thompson loved poetry. Every year she looked forward to this part of her senior English class. “Okay, class, settle down. This week we are going to study some of the great love poems of modern times. Can anybody give me an example?”

  “Anybody? Come on, I know there is someone out there that has quoted poetry to their girlfriend.”

  Silence. “Okay. I’ll give you an example,” she said as she turned to write on the chalkboard. As she turned, a male voice resonated from the back of the room.

  “Your words are my food, your breath is my wine

  You are everything to me”

  The room was quiet. It was not only the words, but the way the lines were read, with depth and feeling that glorified the words and presented a mood that the author intended.

  “Excellent, Mathew. Sarah Bernhardt is a great example of Victorian poetry. Do you have another example?”

  “Of course, Ms. Thompson. More than one poem is required to win a girl’s heart. Elizabeth Barrett Browning is one of my favorites.”

  “I love you not only for what you are,

  but for what I am when I am with you.

  Tears came to Ms. Thompson’s eyes. This poem had special meaning. How did Mathew know?

  Father Sean McGinnis had worked on his homily until midnight and felt prepared. The readings were from the book of Revelation sometimes referred to as The Apocalypse of John, from the New Testament. It was a favorite subject of his and vital to the church, as it provided much of the basis for the schism between Catholics and Protestants. He had spent hours debating alternative interpretations with his peers in Rome. Was the Catholic Church the Antichrist referred to the Revelation? It was a complex and difficult subject, particularly when he only had 10 minutes.

  There was a murmur going through the congregation as a tall, young man walked into the church and took a seat in a middle pew. Most priests would have ignored the interruption and continued with the service, but Father McGinnis had a playful streak and decided to have fun with the young man. “Young man, what’s your name?”

  “Mathew Wilson, Father.”

  “Mathew, you seem to have everyone’s attention, perhaps you would like to give the Homily today.”

  Mathew looked directly at Father McGinnis for several seconds attempting to read what was behind the offer. Later Father Sean would say that he felt the boy was reading his soul. “Thank you, Father, I would be honored. The controversy surrounding John’s book of Revelation is an exciting subject that I have given much thought.”

  Father McGinnis watched and listed in awe as the boy spoke, marveling at his ability to communicate. He scanned the congregation and realized that every person was hanging on his every word.

  The boy’s argument was well thought out and his opinion was based upon what he believed were misinterpretations of the scripture, passages that Father Jean had often questioned. He was caught up in the boy’s argument when the boy abruptly concluded, exactly ten minutes after starting. His final message was, “Be prepared, the Apocalypse is coming.”

  Father Sean was no stranger to leadership and had a gift for public speaking, but he had never witnessed a performance like this. Mathew Wilson was in total control. Father Sean was smart enough to save his own Homily for another day.

  “Who is this boy?” he wondered.

  DEDICATIONS

  To Rosann, who made this book possible. Thank you for your encouragement.

  To my three children, Kelly, Mike and Bill, who provided many of the experiences that are incorporated into this novel.

  To my children’s spouses and s Katy, Claire and Brandon. Thank you for my grandchildren and for making my kid’s lives complete.

  To my parents, Bob and Marion Plautz, who introduced me to tennis and played for many years. I wish you were alive to read this novel. Maybe you can?

  To all the tennis players that I have played with in Milwaukee, Washington, DC, St. Louis and Tampa.

  To the great game of tennis; there is no better sport.

  Back Cover

  DOUBLE FAULT at ROLAND GARROS is a novel about four junior tennis players from Spain, France and the United States that are destined to meet at Roland Garros, home of the French Open, the second leg of the Tennis Grand Slam. The four teenagers meet at the Saddlebrook tennis academy in Tampa, Florida where tennis lessons are spiced with love, jealousy and revenge. Basque ETA terrorist plans to blow up the newly rebuilt Roland Garros stadium set the stage for a thrilling and surprising climax. The author has created a cast of intriguing, real life characters and themes.

  “You don’t need to play tennis to enjoy this book.”

  “The character development is excellent.”

  “This is a love story.”

  Jim Plautz is a businessman, avid tennis player and father of three. Originally from Wisconsin, Jim now makes his home in Tampa, Florida with his wife, Rosann. This is his second novel.

  “My novels are similar in structure to the Stephen Frey books (The Day Trader, The Vulture Fund, Silent Partner, etc.). These are action thrillers set in a business environment. I add a sports theme. My first book was about golf and my next books will be about basketball, baseball, football and soccer. This book is about tennis.”