Chapter 14

I awoke Monday, exercised, practiced my huku, sensed the area, grabbed my walking staff, and took off running my route, keeping a steady speed and stride. When I reached my turnaround point, I increased my pace on the way home. After stretching, I showered, dressed, went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and a protein drink, and then drove the golf cart to the practice range. I warmed up and then went out alone and measured the distance of my new drivers. I felt more comfortable the second time out and updated my log. Driving home, I was happy and thought I wouldn’t get blown away at the Canadian Open with the new drivers.

Mom left a note she went to the gym. I ate leftovers for lunch, went to my workshop, and checked the bot email account. I now had the Chancellor’s wife and the wives of Professor Janus and Jones. They were talking about Nike ads, and I put their husbands to shame. But Professor Conner’s emails caught my attention. She sounded too anxious to get me to start classes in her emails to the Chancellor. So, I sent her a thank you email for the tour and asked if the lab would be available to me while taking online classes. I embedded my program, “watching kids play.” The keywords were the project, deadline, delays, solution, and progress. I sent the email and could hardly wait to find out why she was so concerned about me. The program also allowed me backdoor access to her computer if I needed to explore. Sensing Mom was near, I flipped the dummy switches, locked up, and returned to my room.

I was working on my online courses when Mom arrived home. I continued until I completed all four weekly assignments, then went downstairs. Mom was happy we were invited to another dinner at OFM by Sam Barton Friday night. I said great, but I was expecting it. They wouldn’t let that opportunity pass on my first trip out of the country. Then, Mom detailed what I needed to bring for the week-long trip. I asked if she was sure we didn’t need the steamer trunk. We could ship it ahead and could limit her to four suitcases. Mom laughed and said she couldn’t be seen wearing the same thing as I could. We, Jackson’s, have standards to uphold laughing again.

David Brooks called during dinner and said he emailed our itinerary for the trip. Titleist had already reserved rooms, so we only needed to book our commercial flight, adding emphasis on commercial. We laughed and said he was no fun, causing David to laugh, too. He added Callaway and Foot Joy were sharing the bill and said goodbye. Mom went online after dinner and booked our flight for Sunday morning. She said I hope none of our friends see us taking a commercial airline first class instead of charter. It would be very embarrassing, and we both laughed. We watched TV for an hour, then hugged goodnight and went to bed. I fell asleep and was used to the thumping, but it was still stronger than when it began and tingling all over my body. I never noticed when it stopped, and I drifted into a deep sleep.

I awoke and went to the gym, sensing the area on my way. I exercised, practiced my huku using the heavy bag, did a light workout on the weight machine, and then did my yoga routine. When finished, I showered, dressed, went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and protein drink, then drove the golf cart to the practice range. Today was practice only, so I got three buckets of balls and practiced, and the new drivers felt better every time I used them. When I returned home, Mom was smiling, and I knew it would be good for me. She said Melissa Gilbert at ESPN won the sweepstakes for your interview, and it’s tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Sony Studios. So, practice only tomorrow, and we leave and get lunch there.

We ate lunch, and Mom said they agreed to all the restrictions. But I don’t trust them, so be prepared to change the subject quickly. It’s a live telecast, so they can’t edit it, and Mr. Finkleman said he would record it so any issues come up. That should take some pressure off the sports side. Mr. Finkleman is working on the entertainment side, but with all talk shows shut down, there’s not much hope. After lunch, Mom went to the club, and she would bring home dinner.

I went to my workshop and checked the bot email. After clearing out the crap, I discovered why Professor Conners was so interested in my enrollment. She had a grant (contract) to develop a gateway for HP to reduce or eliminate log jams. The deadline was approaching, and she was trying to get an extension. Professor Conners said a new member of my team would be joining us shortly to help us put on the final touches. Then, I read her response to my email and laughed. Professor Conners said you will have access once you enroll in online classes. So, see me, and I’ll get you an access card during school hours. I replied, thanking her, and said I had prior commitments with Arizona University. My online finals are next week, and Mom said I needed to finish those first. Then, I can request my files transferred to UCLA. But I would contact her immediately after it’s done. I was laughing as I sent the email to her.

Then I got my throwing knives and stars and practiced for 45 minutes. I was practicing with my lock picks when I sensed Mom was nearby. So, I put everything away, flipped the dummy switch, locked up, and went to my room. She got Mexican takeout and said after dinner, bring your dry cleaning to the laundry, and I’ll go while you’re at the range. When we finished, I took my clothes to the laundry, and then we watched CNN. After an hour, we hugged goodnight and went to bed. I fell asleep and was used to the thumping, but it was still stronger than when it began and tingling all over my body. I never noticed when it stopped, and I drifted into a deep sleep.

I awoke Wednesday, exercised, practiced my huku, sensed the area, grabbed my walking staff, and took off running my route, keeping a steady speed and stride. When I reached my turnaround point, I increased my pace on the way home. After stretching, I showered, dressed, went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and a protein drink, and then drove the golf cart to the practice range. I got two buckets of balls practiced and then returned home. I changed clothes, and then we went to Sony Studios.

I was taken to makeup and then met Melissa Gilbert of ESPN. The interview went fine, with her asking me about my three tournaments. Then she asked why I didn’t play more tournaments, and I said my parents wanted me to do other things besides golf. I can attend more when I reach sixteen, but I must keep up my grades. Then Melissa went off the agreement and asked about my other interests. I said I didn’t know you were interested in me, Ms. Gilbert. We’ll have to wait a few years, but I’ll go out with you. She was laughing, so I said you’d have to meet my parents and tell them your intentions and she doubled over laughing. I thanked her for the interview and left.

Mom and I were laughing, leaving the studio. Mr. Finkleman called, laughing too. He said great save on the interview. Now she looks foolish and probably getting her ass chewed for violating our agreement. Then he added I would avoid ESPN reporters next week, laughing again as he hung up. I told Mom Mr. Finkleman was having too much fun, and she agreed. We stopped for Italian takeout on the way home.

While eating dinner, David Brooks called and said I should be really popular at the Open, laughing. Mom told him we agreed on questions, and she violated it. David said it didn’t matter. They look out for each other. Do well at the Open, and they can’t pick on you without looking like assholes. Finish out the top ten, and your fair game, and he hung up laughing. I told Mom no more personal interviews. They aren’t worth the trouble, and she agreed. After dinner, we played poker for an hour, then went to bed. I fell asleep and was used to the thumping, but it was still stronger than when it began and tingling all over my body. It felt different this time, but I never noticed when it stopped, and I drifted into a deep sleep.

Waking up early, I went to the gym, sensing the area on my way. I exercised, practiced my huku using the heavy bag, did a light workout on the weight machine, and then did my yoga routine. When finished, I showered, dressed, went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and protein drink, then drove the golf cart to the practice range. Today was practice only, so I got two buckets of balls and practiced, then returned home.

Mom left a note she was at the club and would bring home dinner. So, I ate lunch, went to the workshop, and checked my bot emails first. Professor Conners received a 30-day extension from HP. She sent HP a thank you email, and I was laughing at her dilemma. Next, I practiced with my lock picks and throwing knives and stars. When I finished, I flipped the dummy switch, locked it up, and returned to the house. I was reading Mom’s new book when I sensed she was near, so I reset her page and went to my room.

Mom called dinner was here, so I went to the kitchen. She had our drycleaning, too, so I took mine to my room. While we ate, Mom said I needed to bring one suit and two dress shirts and ties to the Canadian Open. Just in case we have to attend an event or two, I groaned, and she laughed. Then Mom reminded me we must leave early for tomorrow night’s dinner at OFM. I asked if I had to shower too, and she laughed and said yes, and wear your shades and bring a sharpie for Mr. Barton’s amusement.

We watched a documentary on Michael Jordan and Nike, hugged good night, and went to bed. I fell asleep and was used to the thumping, but it was still stronger than when it began and tingling all over my body. It felt different again this time, but I never noticed when it stopped, and I drifted into a deep sleep.

I awoke, exercised, practiced my huku, sensed the area, grabbed my walking staff, and took off running my route, keeping a steady speed and stride. When I reached my turnaround point, I increased my pace on the way home. After stretching, I showered, dressed, went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and a protein drink, and then drove the golf cart to the practice range. I warmed up, went out by myself, and practiced hitting from the rough, sand traps, and my long putting. I didn’t keep score but was below par for the round.

When I got home, Mom left a note home at 3 p.m. We leave at 4:30 p.m. for dinner, so I ate lunch and went to the workshop. I decided it was a perfect gear-up opportunity, so I got my knives, stars, neck harnesses, and leg bands. I was not too fond of the wristbands, so they stayed home. I also brought my lock pick set and camera and went to my room. The neck harness wouldn’t work with a tie, so it got left behind, too. I put one star and knife in each suit jacket pocket instead. The lock pick set and camera went in the inside breast pocket of the suit.

I was set, so I completed the last lessons of online classes at AU and requested my finals. Mom came home and yelled to get ready. I laughed and showered, then played on my laptop until 4 p.m. and dressed. Mom met me in the kitchen, tied my tie, and then took off for the OFM dinner. Traffic was as bad as expected, and we arrived at 6:30 p.m. Mr. and Mrs. Barton laughed at my shades, and I said they were Mom’s idea. She doesn’t like women her age hitting on me, causing everyone to laugh.

The Japanese ambassador and his wife were there, so I talked to them. They said they had seen my film and said they enjoyed it. I thanked them for the compliment, and nothing was said about the Nike ad. But his wife smiled at me, so I knew she saw it. We talked until dinner and said goodbyes. Mr. and Mrs. Barton talked about my ESPN interview and laughed at how it ended. Mom told them about the interview agreement, and TJ made Melissa Gilbert at ESPN pay for her error. They both laughed and said it was an ingenious change of direction. Dinner ended, and Mrs. Barton and Mom left to socialize.

Sam Barton led me through a side door after telling Mom he would show me their data center. He said we’d attached a female operative to the ad shoot. She will be your assistant, and during breaks and on the way home, she’ll train you on spotting and evading a tail. Mr. Barton said I should have plenty of time to train while your mom shops laughing. I would receive my information on the exchange before the tournament by text and email. Walking back to the reception, he said to win the SOB so you can go to Europe and have some fun laughing. I rejoined Mom, and she was ready to leave. We said our goodbyes and drove home. Mom and I were both tired, so we hugged goodnight and went to bed. I fell asleep and was used to the thumping, but it was still stronger than when it began and tingling all over my body. It felt different again this time, and then the dream started.

I could tell I was in Canada for the Canadian Open and in our suite. Standing nude by the door with the key card in my hand, I closed my eyes and began to feel the symbols vibrate. I recite a mantra, serving the gods with grace and respect, and I shall execute your orders without a doubt. I opened my eyes, and the symbols became visible and bright, and then I became invisible. I could see the key card but not my hand holding it. Exiting our suite, I put the key card on top of the vending machine by the elevator and pressed the down button.

When the elevator arrived, I pressed the 7^th floor and waited. The doors opened, and I stood in the hall until two men speaking Farsi exited the elevator. I follow them to a room with four others inside. They spoke in Farsi, which I learned from the language programs. A diagram of the awards tent was laid on the bed, and spots were marked around the tent. The leader said we leave in 15 minutes to bury the devices around the tent. Canada and Britain will regret joining America in Afghanistan, and may Allah be with us. Ali gets the van and meets us in the alley. I followed Ali to the van and got inside. I set two bomb timers for 15 minutes and exited the van when the others got inside. Returning to the 10^th floor, I retrieved the keycard, and my dream ended, and I drifted into a deep sleep.

I awoke and went to the gym, sensing the area on my way. I exercised, practiced my huku using the heavy bag, did a light workout on the weight machine, and then did my yoga routine. When finished, I showered, dressed, went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and protein drink, then drove the golf cart to the practice range. Today was practice only, so I got two buckets of balls and practiced, then returned home.

Mom left a note saying she went to the club to be sure everything would be okay for next week while we were away. I gave time to reflect on the dream and realized what was at stake. I would have been in that tent with a hundred others. That was the reason for accelerated activation. Shit, there was a terrorist attack planned on the Canadian Open, and I was responsible for stopping it. A calm, soothing feeling ran through my body, and I knew it would be alright. I ate lunch and went to my room to pack for the trip. Two suitcases, a garment bag, and a carry-on were packed and ready. I went to the garage and put my clubs in the travel bag that Titleist gave me.

Returning to my room, I sensed Mom was near and waited. When Mom called dinner here, I came into the kitchen. She told me everything at the club should be okay while we were gone. Then, Mom asked if I was packed and ready to go. When I said yes, she said good, so am I. After dinner, we loaded the SUV for our early morning flight to Toronto, Canada. We returned to the house and hugged goodnight. Mom reminded me we were leaving at 5:30 a.m., and we went to bed. I fell asleep and was used to the thumping, but it was still stronger than when it began and tingling all over my body. It felt different again this time, but I never noticed when it stopped, and I drifted into a deep sleep.

I awoke Sunday morning, showered, dressed, went to the kitchen for breakfast, vitamins, and a protein drink, and then waited for Mom. When she entered the kitchen, Mom asked if I had my passport. I showed it to her, and we left for the airport. When Air Canada called first-class boarding, we arrived at the boarding gate and walked right on board. I said David Brooks might change his mind on charters when they get the baggage fees from this trip, and Mom laughed. The flight was five hours, and we lost three hours. So, we took off at 7 a.m. PST and arrived at 3 p.m. EST. When we got our luggage, rented an SUV, checked into the hotel, and settled in our suite, it was after 5 p.m. We ordered room service for dinner and unpacked.