The Consequences Series Box Set

by Aleatha Romig

  PS. I told you once, your appropriate responses benefited you. The consequence could not be improved, but you did have a positive effect on the actions, for that we should both be thankful. I am.

  Sitting the box in the corner of her cell, Claire began with the first item dated 1975. It was a copy of an old newspaper article which talked at length about Rawls Corporation, a privately owned company specializing in textiles. The owner, Nathaniel Rawls, was interviewed because Rawls Corporation had just gone public. It opened on the NYSE at fifty cents a share. In the first day, it raised to eighty-nine cents a share. Claire didn’t understand the significance of this information, but Tony told her to read it all, so she did.

  As she viewed the next item, she realized the significance. It was a magazine article from Newsweek, 1979. What caught her attention was the picture of a house. It looked very similar to Tony’s. Standing in front of the house was a family. The caption read: Nathaniel Rawls, wife Sharron, son Samuel, daughter-in-law Amanda, and grandson Anton. The boy looked to be twelve to fourteen years old. Even at that young age, she could see his dark eyes. The article expounded on the success of Rawls Corporation. A recent stock split confirmed what everyone was saying: this was an up-and-coming company. Nathaniel’s family enjoyed a lavish lifestyle brought on by his success. The Rawls family lived the American dream. They had it all.

  The 1982 Time magazine article only had a picture of Nathaniel and was entitled: Continued Success. It quoted a lot of important investors stating the attributes of Rawls Corporation, which was now expanding its ventures with continued success, run mainly by Nathaniel, but also by his son Samuel. There was a quote from Nathaniel about grooming his grandson to take over one day.

  The next was Newsweek 1986. It wasn’t just a story, it was the cover. In large letters, with a picture of a house of cards, it read The House of Rawls Falls. The story was short, considering it had been a cover story, the gist of it explained the plummet of Rawls Corporation stock due to allegations of wrongdoing. The magazine couldn’t say too much, due to an ongoing federal investigation; however, as investors pulled their money, the corporation was folding before their eyes.

  There was much more information in the following article, from Newsweek, dated 1987. There was a picture of Nathaniel Rawls wearing prison garb entitled Nathaniel Rawls Convicted. Based on evidence from a two-year undercover FBI investigation and testimony, Mr. Rawls was found guilty of multiple counts of insider trading, misappropriation of funds, price fixing, and securities fraud. The family’s assets were being sold at auction to help recoup investor loss. Distraught investors were quoted as saying: “We lost everything, and it is good to see the entire family lose everything.” The Rawls had been living the high life: homes, vacations, and belongings. Now they had nothing.

  A short newspaper clip dated 1989 indicated Nathanial Rawls dead at sixty-eight years of age. Mr. Rawls died after only twenty-two months in a minimum-security facility. The cause of death was a massive heart attack.

  The buzzer buzzed. Claire didn’t want to stop reading. She thought she should grasp some revelation, but other than that Tony’s name had been Anton Rawls before Anthony Rawlings, she didn’t see it. She had to follow the rules. So she put the articles away and turned off her lights.

  Her journey resumed the following morning after breakfast. Copies of court documents from New York State vs. Nathaniel Rawls were the next items in the box. Though lengthy, after time, Claire realized a few key testimonies aided in the conviction of Mr. Rawls. First, from his son Samuel, who had turned state’s witness. Second, from an undercover FBI agent embedded in the corporation for two years, and lastly, a securities investigator. Accompanying these documents was a report stamped Top Secret. It gave the unreleased names of the strategic individuals: securities investigator was Jonathon Burke, and the FBI Agent was Sherman Nichols—Claire’s grandfather.

  Though warm in her temperature controlled cell, Claire suddenly felt a shiver. The next discovery was a newspaper article also dated 1989: Samuel and Amanda Rawls found dead in their rented Santa Monica bungalow, bodies discovered by their twenty-three-year-old son. Based on the evidence from the scene, it appeared to be a case of murder/suicide. Claire thought back. Tony mentioned his parents’ death was an accident. That seems to be an all-encompassing word.

  NYU News, 1990: While completing their master’s degrees, Anthony Rawlings and Jonas Smithers file the necessary paperwork to begin their own corporation: Company Smithers Rawlings—CSR. The article said CSR was set to be an intricate piece of the Internet pie.

  New York Times article, 1994: Anthony Rawlings buys out his friend and partner Jonas Smithers for 4 million dollars. CSR was now Rawlings Industries. The New York Times predicted it was on its way to being an Internet giant.

  Newsweek, 1996: Rawlings Industries begins to diversify. Anthony Rawlings stated that he was determined to not have all his eggs in one basket. Recent diversifications have included entertainment and transportation.

  Time magazine, 2003: One of the men mentioned as a runner-up for Man of the Year—Anthony Rawlings. This designation came mainly because of his dedication to people—evidenced by Rawlings Industries’ recognition as one of the top ten philanthropic companies in the nation. Mr. Rawlings was quoted as saying, “I plan to spend my life and fortune looking for opportunities to better other’s lives. Every person is important.”

  Indianapolis Star and News, 2004: Obituary of Jordan and Shirley Nichols. Claire felt ill as she read the accompanying article with a different mind-set than that of a grieving child. It talked about the unfortunate accident which claimed their lives, about her father’s police service and full police honors as tribute, and her mother’s devotion to her family and teaching. The accident was believed to be caused by wet roads and newly fallen leaves. Photographs taken at the gravesite were clipped to the obituary. One was of John embracing Emily—John and Emily was handwritten on the back, and another of Claire sitting alone—Claire handwritten on the back. Claire immediately recognized the handwriting. Words came back to her: “Because I wasn’t able to support you when your parents died. You had to go through your parents’ death alone. Emily had John, but you didn’t have anyone.” With a sudden sickness Claire realized Tony was there and saw her grief first hand.

  Valparaiso University Newsletter, 2005: during the time Claire was a student. The picture showed Anthony holding a giant check for five-million dollars. His donation to the university made additional scholarships possible.

  Again, the buzzer buzzed. Although Claire had to wait to continue this journey, she was slowly understanding that her encounter with Anthony Rawlings in March of 2010 was predestined.

  The next items were more actual snapshots: pictures taken at John and Emily’s wedding, a few even zoomed in on Claire. She was wearing the ugly sea foam green, maid-of-honor dress. Emily and John looked so young and happy—2005 and Claire were written on the backsides in familiar handwriting. Was he there, too?

  Albany Post, 2006: Appointments to a local law firm. The second name listed was John Vandersol. The article discussed John both professionally and personally.

  Another 2006 article: Rawlings Industries Continues to Diversify. It discussed the continued success of any venture Anthony Rawlings embarked upon. Rawlings Industries’ diversification included the recent purchase of TTT-TV a television broadcasting network.

  Atlanta Daily Journal, 2009: TTT-TV acquired WKPZ. Although the acquisition resulted in multiple layoffs, Anthony Rawlings promised that as the economy improved, so would job opportunities. He stated that his dedication is to his employees. He is worried about each individual who was out of work.

  Claire now saw. All of those people at WKPZ who were so nice to her, who helped her with her dream, all lost their jobs because of her.

  People Magazine, August 2010: Claire knew it immediately. It was the article that almost cost her her life. She didn’t need to read it, but she did: Questions Answered—The Mystery Wo
man in Anthony Rawlings’s Life Agrees to a One-on-One Interview. These articles were no longer revelations, mere confirmations.

  December 19, 2010: her wedding picture. It revealed a smiling her next to a smiling him. She recognized the picture, but the unfavorable article was new to her. It talked about how fantastic Anthony was and asked how such a smart businessman could be as gullible as to marry this woman with no prenuptial agreement?

  Vanity Fair, April 2011: Anthony’s and her smiling face on the cover. It hit Claire at that moment. The woman in that picture didn’t even look like her. She was beautiful, blonde, sophisticated, elegant, and way too thin. Not until now, had she realized the magnitude of the transformation. She placed a picture of her from Emily’s wedding next to the magazine cover. She didn’t change. She was changed. Why hadn’t she seen it before?

  November 2011: Copy of the printed newsreel Tony brought home, Tragic Accident Claims the Life of Young Gaming Phenomenon Simon Johnson.

  Albany Post, January 2012 Column listing arrests: John Vandersol, 32, charged with embezzlement and fraudulent client billing charges, arraignment pending.

  Iowa City News, January 2012—Headline: Anthony Rawlings Alive after Attempted Murder by New Wife. No wonder so many reporters were on the courthouse steps!

  Iowa City News, April 2012: Claire Nichols (formally Rawlings) avoids trial by pleading no contest to the attempted-murder charge accompanied by more unfavorable articles.

  Iowa City News, July 2012—Headline: Anthony Rawlings’ Efforts to Save the Iowa Taxpayers Their Money The picture, black and white, showed a warehouse full of tables lined with merchandise: jewelry, shoes, handbags, clothes, etc. The article explained how Anthony Rawlings, uncomfortable that the taxpayers of Iowa were held responsible for his ex-wife’s pretrial expenses, held an auction of her belongings. It raised enough money to reimburse the state for her counsel and court costs. There was even an additional 176 thousand dollars, which was donated to the Red Cross of Iowa. Mr. Rawlings explained that this charity remained dear to him because it was Claire’s pet charity. A strip of newspaper stapled behind the first, had another picture, a close-up of some of the jewelry. The picture was not large, but center frame was a black velvet box containing a white gold necklace with a large pearl centered on a white gold cross.

  As Claire was about to close up the box, something caught her eye. Folded in the bottom was a napkin. She pulled it out and unfolded it. On the napkin in scrolling red letters: Red Wing. Under the words on each side were signatures, Claire Nichols and Anthony Rawlings. Above the red letters: the date: March 15, 2010. She turned the napkin over, no other writing. There was no agreement, no definition of duties, and no life-changing contract—just a napkin with signatures.

  Claire’s mind swirled with possibilities: she could take this information and ask for a new trial. No, she’d entered a plea of no contest and by definition couldn’t appeal. Tony knew that. Besides, the legal system and the court of public opinion didn’t believe her before, they wouldn’t believe her now.

  She questioned why he would share the information. Obviously, he didn’t view her as a threat. As Claire repacked the box, she contemplated and found a better reason. Tony spent years, no, decades, planning his vendetta. He liked recognition for his accomplishments. He required gratitude for his deeds. There was no one else with whom he could share his hard work. She wondered what sort of recognition he expected, perhaps a well done note?

  She kept some of the photos and papers, put everything else in the box, rang her buzzer, and requested permission to incinerate the box. The guard consented and accompanied her to the basement. As they walked the passages, thoughts and ideas began to flow through Claire’s mind. She believed her actions kept her alive. She also knew that obedience took more strength than retaliation. With each echoing step, her new knowledge empowered that strength.

  She lived her life governed by her grandmother’s and mother’s words. Those words encouraged truth and forgiveness. The truth had not set her free. The thoughts of revenge weren’t fueled only by her consequences, but the consequences of her parents, John, Emily, Simon, her friends at WKPZ, and even her grandmother’s necklace.

  Opening the incinerator, she felt the warmth. It reminded her of the fires in her suite, Tony’s suite, and Lake Tahoe. Throwing the box into the flames, she watched the contents ignite. The flickering of the flames brought back the flames of her past: love, fear, contempt, desire, passion, pain, and sadness. As the fire consumed the memories, it fueled a new determination. Two and a half years ago, she had one goal: survival.

  Now she had a new one: revenge.

  Mr. Anthony Rawlings would learn that his actions had consequences. Claire contemplated her decision; according to Catherine, Claire had received the rare opportunity to truly know Anthony Rawlings. With that knowledge, she had four to seven years to plan his demise.

  Turning back to the guard, her mind spun with possibilities.

  Immediately, the uniformed man noticed something different about the prisoner. It was her smile. How could he not notice? It extended into her emerald eyes.

  Epilogue

  In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.

  —Robert Frost

  The Massachusetts autumn remained cooler than normal. Shivering, Sophia entered her art studio thinking about the events of the last few weeks. First, she presented a hugely successful gallery exhibit. Guests and investors from all over the East Coast were in attendance. Her dream was becoming reality as word spread about her art. Then, in the course of a day, her whole world fell apart.

  The call came just as she left for her studio two weeks earlier. She almost didn’t answer but decided to pick up after the fourth ring. The New Jersey police called to inform her a blue Toyota Camry was found by passing drivers. The accident must have occurred during the night. It was believed that perhaps her father lost control on the wet leaves, or it may have been an acceleration issue. She could request tests. The policeman offered his sincere condolences. Could she possibly travel to New Jersey and identify the bodies? Both her mother and her father were killed instantly.

  Sophia had so many responsibilities, so many activities. The next week passed in a blur. There was the funeral planning and settling of their estate. That would take months or years. Sadly, she hadn’t realized the debt her parents incurred helping her with her art.

  Now, with a minute to herself, she couldn’t stay home. She feared she would do nothing but cry. That was why, even on this cloudy Saturday afternoon, Sophia decided to go into the studio. Putting her purse in the office, she heard the bell on the front door. Damn, she’d meant to lock that. It wasn’t that she was afraid. This was a great town. She just wanted some quiet time alone.

  As she stepped into the studio, the man at the counter looked familiar. Maybe he had been at the gallery event, or she had seen him on TV? She couldn’t be sure, but his eyes were so dark and mesmerizing. “I’m sorry. I’m not open today. I just forgot to lock the door,” Sophia said, as she approached the handsome stranger.

  “That’s all right. I can come back,” the dark-eyed man said with an agreeable smile. “It’s just that I travel a lot and happened to be in town. A friend of mine told me about your gallery. He was here a week or so ago and bought three pieces. I’m very interested in nature, and he said you have a wonderful selection.”

  Sophia exhaled and smiled. “Are you a friend of Jackson Wilson?” The man’s smile widened as he nodded his head. “He’s one of my biggest fans.”

  “I don’t get this way often. Are you sure you couldn’t give me a speed tour? By the way, my name is Anthony, Anthony Rawlings.”

  Sophia stuck out her hand. “Where are my manners? I’m so sorry. My name is Sophia, Sophia Burke. I’d be glad to give you a tour.” She couldn’t stop looking at those eyes.

  “With one condition.” Anthony said, his eyes shining. “You let me buy you some dinner and a drink after the tour.�
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  Sophia gently took the man’s elbow to lead him around the studio. After a few minutes of enjoying his charm, she decided why not? After the last few difficult weeks—what harm could one dinner and drink do?

  You Know The Consequences… Learn The Truth!

  Don’t miss the continuing saga of Claire, Tony, and Sophia. Discover the secrets, ambitions, deceptions, and emotions that fuel their tangled web. Can Claire follow through on her plan? Is Tony’s façade impenetrable? Did love ever truly exist? Will revenge prevail? What will happen to Sophia? Whose vengeance will triumph?

  Volume Two

  Truth

  All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.

  —Galileo

  By:

  Aleatha Romig

  Copyright And License Information

  Published by Aleatha Romig

  2012 Edition

  Copyright © 2012 Aleatha Romig

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.