Page 84 of Putting Out
“So the fact this person’s prints aren’t on file and he left this stuff means he’s an amateur,” Reilly concluded.
“I would say it’s a good bet.”
Luke ran a hand over his chin as he considered the information. “What are our options now?”
Mark shrugged. “If we can identify this person you can get a restraining order. Unfortunately, telling someone who is crazy he has to stay at least fifty feet away from the one person he wants to get close to isn’t typically successful. He’s gotten in once, but I imagine you’ll make sure there are no more problems with the alarm system.”
“Forget him coming back here. What’s to prevent him from following me? He knows where I’m going to be and when,” Reilly said.
Mark flashed a smile. “Do you know how hard it is to get tickets to the American?”
“Does this mean you’re not worried?” Kenny wanted to know.
“I wouldn’t say that,” Mark hedged. “I think what we’ve got is a first-time stalker, who has the wherewithal to follow you around. And is fearless enough to go as far as leaving this mark on the wall to get your attention. Anything like this happens again and you should report it to the police. I understand your reluctance, but you have to play it safe.”
“What about the FBI?” Luke asked.
Mark winced. “Officially, there isn’t anything for the FBI to do. As ironic as it sounds, we’d only show up if you did get kidnapped.”
“I hate irony,” Reilly muttered.
“But here’s the thing. I’m a big fan. I’ve watched you play for years. When Bob called me I jumped on the chance to meet you. It’s why I drove over here to talk to you in person. I’ve got a ridiculous amount of vacation time coming up and nowhere to go. I thought I could hang around, maybe shadow you for a couple of weeks and make sure if there is a lunatic out there looking to get close to you, he’ll have to go through me.”
“Like a bodyguard?”
“Like another member of your staff. It seems you’ve got a group of people here looking to help you out.”
“Well, Kenny is my caddy. Pierce is my physical trainer.” Pierce gave a little wave over Reilly’s head. “And Odie is my swing coach.”
“What does Luke do?” Mark asked.
Reilly looked to Luke. “That’s a good question. What do you do?”
Luke’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me? Who has been helping you study the greens? Who has been your rock of support? Who the hell’s house are you living in?”
“That’s right. Luke owns the place,” Reilly said.
“Ungrateful witch,” Luke muttered under his breath.
“I didn’t mean to start anything, I promise,” Mark said, holding up his hands. “I’m just offering my services.”
“I don’t know if I like the idea of having someone following me around wherever I go. I mean, I’ve got Kenny with me out on the course.”
“Yeah, but I don’t carry a gun,” Kenny pointed out. “All I can do is swing a club if some nutso tries to jump you.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. Here’s my cell phone number.” Mark extracted a card from his wallet and handed it to her. “If there are no other incidents, it might mean your guy has given up. If something happens, you know you can call me and I’ll come. I’m staying in the old section of Savannah so I’ll be close.”
“Hey, this isn’t some kind of twisted plot on your part to get to see the American?” Reilly asked.
Mark smiled. “I wouldn’t rule that out. Going as your bodyguard is my only shot. It’s been a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Carr.”
“Reilly,” she said as she took his outstretched hand.
“Reilly,” he repeated. “I’m looking forward to watching you play. Even if it is on TV.”
Mark gave a small wave to everyone else and headed down the stairs to leave. Luke followed him and stood at the front door watching as the agent got in his car and drove away.
“What do you think?”
