Back Nine

By Steve Husk

Jack and Nate played golf together all the time. Except, to Jack, this round felt different. Nate always played mind games with his employees, and especially with Jack on the golf course. Except, today, Nate was acting out of character, including taking 'important' calls during the round. Jack wasn't really in the mood for games anyway; he was using this particular round to escape his failing business. Except, every hole he played reminded him of a different reason why his business was in such bad shape. Jack got his harsh reality check when he learned his business partner was suffering more than him. Because of him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steve Husk
• Release date: Nov 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005527952

Steve Husk

Some say Steve Husk is constantly going up against his demons and the many voices in his own head. Truth is, Steve has recruited most of them as his advisors. Some of them want to start a band with him.Steve is a retired software / web application developer and security control center officer. He currently works his writing (and sometimes music) craft in northern Virginia, USA.

Book preview

Back Nine

Steve Husk

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2022 Steven M. Husk

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THE CLUBHOUSE

I’ve only got time for nine holes.

The gray-haired man behind the counter smiled. Then, I recommend the back nine.

Nate pulled a credit card out from his wallet. Sold.

Jack excused himself from talking to a group of elderly men at the bar, and joined his friend at the counter to pay his share.

Nate stretched out his arm to block Jack from the counter. This one is on me. I know you’ve got more important issues to deal with.

Jack stopped an unhappy groan before it left his throat. He knew Nate’s gesture was made with respect, but he hated being reminded of his current business challenges. Every move he made either backfired completely, or, even worse, garnered no publicity at all. He even tried advertising by wearing one of his company’s way-too-bright green polos bearing his oversized and generic bail bondsman logo, hoping it would spark somebody’s curiosity.

None of the men at the bar even noticed it.

Nobody ever did.

Yet, every course he and Nate ever went to, somebody always started a conversation about whichever one of Nate’s companies was represented on the polo he was wearing at the time.

Thanks.

The groan escaped anyway.

You can keep score.

Jack grabbed a scorecard and a pencil. I like this. They gave names to the tees. The red tees are called ‘No Challenge.’

I don’t play from the red tees.

Then, how ‘bout the gold tees? They’re called ’Pedestrians.’

Do I play like a pedestrian?

Sometimes, you do.

What’s higher than the gold tees?

The blue tees are called ‘Masters Only.’

That sounds close to being right.

The black tees are called ‘Tour Ready.’ And don’t ask if I think you’re ‘tour ready.’

Blue tees will do.

Jack walked out the door and picked up his bag from the rack. I’m more honest about my abilities. I’m playing the gold tees.

Nate followed him outside. Well...I’d prefer not to give you the satisfaction of breaking your four match losing streak to me because you had an easier time of it, so I’ll play the gold tees with you.

Would it make you feel better if I played the blue tees with you, instead?

Nate cracked a grin. "So, you’re ready for me to make it five in a row against you?"

Jack heaved a sigh. Yeah, that’s probably what will happen. But, I need to challenge myself at some point.

I like hearing that attitude coming out of your mouth.

Are you gonna sound like a Life Coach the entire round?

It’s a necessary evil for what I do. The employees in all my companies know my thoughts on striving for better.

Well, it must be working, because I’ve never read anything on the chat boards from your employees about plotting to destroy you. They do wish you’d go lighter on the mind games, though.

That’ll probably never happen.

"The,