Mr. Limbcus, Trent was saying, his voice soothing but I could hear a thread of satisfaction that had been missing before. Im sure we can come to some agreement. This is for charity after all.
Mr. Limbcus still hadnt moved. If hes not disqualified, I will withdraw from the event and take my entrance fee with me, he said, his jowls quivering. You may own Cincinnati, Kalamack, but you do not own this course, and I will see you expelled before this day is over!
Actually, his family had owned the property at one point, but I managed not to say it. Kevin stood beside the cart looking unsure, and Trent put his cap back on, taking the moment to think. I will withdraw from the tournament immediately. Kevin, can we ride back with you?
Distressed, the manager shifted forward. Of course, Mr. Kalamack.
Figures, the fat man huffed. He knows hell lose without magic.
My pledges will of course remain in force, Trent said as he put a hand on the small of my back, both possessive and protective as he turned to his team. Gentlemen? Please excuse me. Lunch is on me.
Surprised he was letting this go so easily, I glanced at Jenks. The pixy shrugged, but Trent was almost pushing me to the cart. Perhaps the elven slur had caught him off guard. He hadnt been out of the closet long, and knowing how to react gracefully took practice.
Were gonna get banned, arent we, Jenks said, and I nodded.
Satisfied, Limbcus strutted and swaggered, talking loudly with the other players about how to score such a gross breakage of the rules. Trent was on my one side, Kevin the other, back hunched and worried.
Thinking hed won, the man huffed. Its not the money. I want you out of this club! Youll be hearing from my lawyer, Kalamack.
Trent stopped dead in his tracks. My worry strengthened at the light in Trents eye. Id seen it before. He was close to losing it.
On what grounds? Trent said coldly as he turned around. My associate deflected your assault in a manner that hurt no one. If anyone should be crying foul, it should be me.
Ah, Trent? I said as Jenks hummed nervously.
You are loud, overbearing, and quite frankly, a poor dresser, Trent said, his steps silent on the manicured grass as he strode back to him. Your game is erratic, and no one wants to play ahead of you because of your history of premature releases.
There was a titter from the watching men, but I didnt like that Trent had his hat on again. He didnt need it to do his magic, but it did impart a level of finesse.
A true player wont risk the safety of others in a transparent, passive-aggressive action, Trent said, eye to eye with the man. A true golfer plays against himself, not others. Both I and my security apologized for the destruction of your property and offered restitution, which witnesses have heard you decline, Trent said, the hem of his pants shaking. If you want to take this to the courts, the only one who will win is the lawyers. But if you want to go that route, Mr. Limbcus, by all means, lets dance.
The man was fumbling for words as Trent confronted him, his wispy hair floating and his stance unforgiving and holding the assurance of kings. Everyone in Cincinnati had seen the glowing lights in the night sky when the demons had hunted and killed one of their own, and everyone in Cincinnati knew that Trent had ridden with them, meting out a justice older than the Bible and just as savage.
Jenkss wings tickled my neck, and I shivered. Maybe you should rescue him, the pixy said, meaning Trent. Hes good at making his point, but not so good making an exit.
Nodding, I inched forward to stand behind Trent, too close to be ignored. He held the mans gaze a second longer, and with his lips still compressed in anger, he turned and paced back to the cart. I fell into place beside him, guilt tugging at me. None of this should have happened.
Trent touched the small of my back, and I fluttered inside. A surge of energy passed between us, and I quickly grasped my chis balance before they tried to equalize. He was still on edge. Silent, I walked to the back of the golf cart so Trent could have the front with the golf pro.
Hey, Rache. You want me to pix the sucker?
It had been loud enough for almost everyone to hear, and I glumly shook my head.
Thank you, Mr. Kalamack, Kevin said nervously as he hustled around the cart to drop into the drivers seat. If it were up to me, youd be continuing your game and he would be escorted out, but rules are rules.
Mood still bad, Trent slid into the front seat, his eyes on his phone again before he tucked it away. Dont concern yourself with it. Thanks for the ride back. And please let my office know what the damages are. Not just the tournament, but for the green.
Thats most appreciated, Mr. Kalamack. Thank you.
Flushing, I set Trents clubs in the rack at the back of the cart. There was a little jump seat, and I flipped it down, happy to sulk at the back with the clubs on the way to the parking lot. My hand hurt, and I looked at it as we jostled into motion, belatedly reaching for a handhold as we took a dip. The wind pushed through my hair, and I took an easing breath, trying to relax.
Had I really overreacted that badly? I had shouted the word of invocation, but even so . . . Concerned, I eyed my fingertips, tentatively pushing at the swollen red tips. I didnt like what that might mean. Sure I cared about Trent, but enough to blow up a ball?
A tiny throat clearing pulled my attention up. Jenks was sitting cross-legged on the top of the bags rim, an infuriatingly knowing look on him. Shut up, I said as I curled my fingers into a fist to hide the damage like a guilty secret. He opened his mouth, sparkles turning a bright gold, and I smacked the bag to make him take to the air. I said shut up! I said louder, and he laughed as he darted out of the rattling cart, sparkles showing his path as he flew ahead.
Im sorry, Mr. Kalamack. Interspecies intolerance is not tolerated here, Kevin said, clearly still upset. I wish youd file a formal report. There are enough witnesses that Limbcus will be put on probation.
Dont worry about it, Kevin. Its okay.
But it wasnt, and I held on against the unexpected dips, silent as we made our way back. Id been watching Trent deal with the crap Id grown up with ever since hed come out of the closet as an elf. It had caused him to be less sure of himself, more inclined to deliberate before acting and his usual calm not as sureand I felt for him. One would think being wealthy wouldve eased the transition, but it only made people envy, and envy leads to hate.
Mr. Kalamack?
Trent looked up, a new pinch of worry at his brow. He was now firmly in the them camp, and it wore on you after a while. But as I watched, his professional smile became deeper, almost believable. Mr. Kalamack, Im truly sorry about this, Kevin said as with a last lurch, we found the pavement of the parking lot and slowed to a stop. You have every right to protect yourself, and as you said, he has a history of dropping his ball into the players ahead of him.
Were fine. Trents hand unclenched from the support bar as he stepped out into the sun, his feet unusually loud in his spiked shoes. Retreat is better than standing my ground and possibly having him pull his entrance fee. Im going to need my usual tee time next week. Just myself and one other. No cart. Can you arrange it for me?
The mans relief was almost palpable as he sat in the drivers seat. Of course. Thank you for understanding. Again, I apologize. If it were up to me, youd be the one finishing your game and Limbcus would be cooling his heels.
Trent laughed, and hearing it, Jonathan, Trents driver among other things, got out of one of the black cars. I liked the man better when hed been a dogTrents version of a slap on the wrist for having tried to kill me. Seeing me take Trents clubs from the cart, he opened the back of the SUV and waited, a sour expression on his face. I didnt like the man, his tall personage lean and full of sharp angles.
Uncomfortable, I whispered, This wouldnt have happened if youd gone bowling. They let you use magic in bowling. Kevin hesitated, and as Trent shifted from foot to foot in an unmistakable signal of departure, I extended my hand to the golf course employee. Sorry about breaking your field. I can come back this afternoon and help you fix it.
His smile was uneasy and his palm was damp. No, our people need to do it, he said as Trent took his clubs. Ahh, Mr. Kalamack, Im really sorry, but . . .
Jenkss wings clattered a warning, and I squinted at the regret in Kevins tone.
No, its fine, Trent was saying again, clasping Kevin across the shoulders and clearly trying to make our escape. Dont worry. It happens around Rachel. Its part of her charm.
Yes, sir. Ummmm . . . One more thing.
Kevin wouldnt meet my eyes, and I slumped where I stood. Im banned from the course, arent I. I said blandly, and Trent paused.
Kevin winced, but Jenks was smirking. I am so sorry, the hapless man gushed. I would have done exactly what you did, Ms. Morgan, but the rules say if you do any magic on the course, youre not allowed back.
Oh, for little green apples, Trent said, but I touched his hand to tell him not to get bent out of shape. Id been expecting it.
Youre welcome to wait at the clubhouse, Kevin rushed. But you cant go on the course. His gaze shot to Trents. Im so sorry, Mr. Kalamack. We have several caddies licensed for personal security. Your patronage is important to us.
Trents clubs clattered as he swung his bag over his shoulder and squinted up at the sun. Can an exception be made? he asked. Rachel wasnt playing. She was doing her job.
Kevin shrugged his shoulders. Its possible. Ill bring it up with the rules committee. Youve been a member since your dad gave you your first clubs. Heck, my dad sold them to him. Youre good people, Mr. Kalamack, but rules are rules.
Yes, rules were rules, but I was tired of them never helping me.
Frustrated, Trent ran a hand over his hair. I see, he said flatly. Well, if Morgan isnt allowed on the course, I wont be needing that tee time.
My eyes widened, and I put a hand on Trent in protest. Sir . . . Kevin pleaded, but Trent put up an easy hand in mild protest.