AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Gideon
“Is this your first time golfing here at Pebble Beach?” James asked later in the morning as we walked from the golf cart to the tee, surrounded by lush greenery and the smell of freshly cut grass. The sun beat down on us, but due to our proximity to the ocean, there was still a slight chill in the air.
“Actually, yes.” I leaned closer, as if about to reveal a secret. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not that great of a golfer.”
He raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye. “You don’t say.”
“True story.”
He chuckled, flashing that politician’s smile he’d perfected. “Then I’ll letyouin on a little secret.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s not my favorite sport, either.”
“Is that right?”
“Unfortunately, in my line of work, it’s a necessary evil. Can’t broker deals and move up the ladder without spending time on the golf course.” He took a long drag from his beer.
“At least it’s for a good cause,” I said, if for no other reason than to gauge his reaction.
This was why I’d jumped at the opportunity to join their foursome when it presented itself. To get close to the men responsible for what happened to me. Earn their trust.
Then use that trust against them.
Much like they’d usedmytrust against me.
“It certainly is,” James agreed.
“This charity,” I continued, following him toward the tee. “It was his friend’s charity that he continued in his honor, correct?” I gestured toward Liam as he took a club from his caddy.
I knew the answer. I wanted to hearhisanswer. See how he reacted. Hell, I wanted to see how they all reacted.
“He did.”
“Samuel Tate, right?”
At the sound of the name — my old name — a hush fell over the group, the three men looking around at each other, like the co-conspirators they were.
“That’s right,” Liam answered before lining up his shot, pulling back and swinging.
“You were all close with him?”
“Liam knew him the best,” Alton explained. “Met when they were teens at a program much like the one this tournament benefits. They were even roommates for a time while they developed their gaming platform.”
“Cloud Hero, right?”
“People thought we were crazy,” Liam remarked. “Said no one would be interested in a platform that allowed users to create their own games in a simulated world.” He rolled his eyes. “Guess they were all wrong.”
“Guess they were.” I allowed a brief silence to pass, not wanting to seem too eager. Then I asked, “How did he die?”
All their expressions turned wary, and I inhaled sharply, pretending to realize my mistake.
“My apologies,” I said quickly. “I don’t mean to pry. I’m just curious after hearing bits and pieces about him and why this charity was important to him.”
“He was shot,” Liam answered.
“My god. That must have been difficult for you. To lose a friend and a business partner.” I shifted my gaze toward Alton and James. “All of you.”
