Karl Gordon Is Back

Chapter 13: Emmy Golf

The company bus rolled to a stop at the entrance of Emmy Golf Course, its tires crunching softly against the gravel driveway.

Beyond the gates stretched wide fields of trimmed grass. It was indeed beautiful as rumours had it.

Karl stood as soon as the doors hissed open.

He stepped down first, adjusting the cuff of his jacket as his shoes met the ground.

Around him, staff members began filing out, laughter and chatter rising in excitement. For most of them, this was a treat from their boss, Melody.

Karl took a look around the field, there was no one in sight. Maybe Ruchie would be coming a little later.

Anna stepped down behind him, dressed in a cream-colored golf outfit, visor pushed back as she looked around in awe.

Melody followed shortly after, sunglasses already in place as if she were arriving at a red-carpet event instead of a company outing. Caden came last, laughing with two junior staff members.

Karl shuts his eyes, that sound of his laughter grinding his gears

“Good luck.” Anna offered before walking away with the rest of the staff.

Karl's eyes followed her, she really is something.

Melody approached him, “Are you looking at her?”

Karl glanced at her and then away before walking towards the field. Melody gritted her teeth and stroked right after him.

Karl continued to scan the grounds. Golf carts were parked in rows nearby.

A few private guests were already warming up near the green. None of them matched what he was looking for.

Not yet.

They checked in, collected equipment, and were split into groups. Karl barely registered who he’d been paired with. His attention drifted constantly, eyes flicking toward every new face stepping onto the field.

Nothing.

His jaw tightened slightly.

She should be here by now.

“Looking for someone?”

Karl turned just enough to see Caden approaching, golf club resting casually against his shoulder. His eyes drifted to Karl's empty hands and narrowed.

Karl didn’t hesitate. “I’m checking the layout.”

Caden smiled faintly. “Since when do you care about golf?”

Karl glanced past him, then back. “Since we’re playing.”

Caden studied him for a moment longer than necessary. The easy grin slipped before he laughed it off. “Right. Of course.”

Karl turned to leave.

“What happened between Melody and I..”

Karl stopped in his tracks, not again! Are these two trying to force him to feel bad about them cheating?!

He turned to face Caden, "Listen, I'm not mad. It was a mistake. Sure.”

‘Whatever fucking makes you sleep at night!’ He groaned internally.

“Are you sure?”

Karl lifted a brow, was he expecting a thank you instead?

“Lets play then.” Caden said, “Golf. That way Melody doesn't feel guilty.”

Jarl clenched his fist. He had to puck a moment when he was looking for Ruchie?!

“I dont think im going to play.” He said suddenly.

“Ypu said you were checking our the perimeter eralie.” Caden questioned.

Karl shrugs, "I changed my mind.” he turned to leave.

Caden stares at, eyes regarding him in silence.

“Ypu seem to be in a hurry to get somewhere.” Caden said lightly,

Karl stopped and turned to him fully. “Is there a problem?”

“No,” Caden replied quickly. “Just asking.”

Karl held his stare for a second longer, and turned away, walking toward the practice area without another word.

He knew Caden would be on his ass now, he had to be careful.

A sharp scream cut through the air.

Every head turned. Including Karl's.

Karl turned around just in time to see Melody stumble backward near the edge of a sand trap, her arms flailing as she lost balance.

Anna was right beside her but Melody grabbed her by the arm in a bid to gain balance only for their bodies to collide, sending them both down. Melody hit the ground with a cry, clutching her arm. Anna went down harder, her ankle twisting beneath her at an horrifying angle before she cried out.

“Melody!” Caden shouted, dropping his club and sprinting toward her.

Karl hurried towards Anna without a second thought.

She sat on the grass, hands shaking as she tried and failed to stand on her feet. Her breath came in uneven gasps, her face twisted in pain.

The staff gathered around Melody, not one person sent a glance at Anna.

Karl reached her in seconds.

“Don’t move,” he said firmly, crouching in front of her.

Her eyes lifted to his, vision blurred with tears. “I..I think I..”

“I know,”

His hands moved to her ankle gently, it was already swelling and the skin above it red.

Caden was kneeling beside Melody, calling for help, demanding ice, his voice drawing attention. Melody clutched his arm dramatically, her face twisted in pain and anger as she stared past him.

At Karl.

Karl looked away, ignoring her completely.

Karl slid one arm beneath Anna’s knees and the other around her back, lifting her carefully. She gasped, fingers curling into his jacket as he stood.

“I’ve got you,” he said quietly.

Her forehead pressed briefly against his shoulder as she tried to steady her breathing. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

He adjusted his grip and began walking.

“Karl!” Caden called, “What the hell bro?! Your girl is hurt too!”

Karl stopped and glanced over his shoulder, “You're attending to her no?” He shot back, “Anna is hurt too.”

“Still!” Caden snapped, “Melody is in pain! Aren't you going to do something?”

Karl ignored him and continued to walk.

“Karl, I think you should go attend to Melody..”

“And who is going to attend you?”

She looked away, tears rolling down her chin now. Her ankle hurts that bad. “I'll be fine. I just..”

“Not another word from you..” he warned, his gaze as cold as ice.

She swallowed her words immediately.

“Where are you taking her?”

“To the hospital,” Karl replied without turning.

Melody's face twisted in anger. Karl didn't even bother to know where she got hurt!

She starts to cry, “Caden…I think I need medical attention too. My arm..” she cries.

“Ill get you to the hospital.”

Caden lifts her off the ground and out the field.

In a corner, Ruchie Emold leaned back on her lounge chair with a disgusted look on her face.

“Disgusting..”