After the wine arrived, Meredith walked Courtney through her three-month journey. She shared everything. When she spoke about Claire’s original condition, Courtney was unable to suppress the tears. “I’d heard she wasn’t talking, but I had no idea it was that bad.”
Meredith told her about the recent change. “She wants to see you. I think she’s trying to put the pieces back together. She’s trying to recall what happened to get her where she is today. She also wants Nichol, but I can’t do anything about that. I thought maybe if you spoke with her. Maybe you could help her with some of the details. I mean, you were at the trial, right?”
“I was. What does she remember?”
“I’m not sure. One of her therapists told her to journal. She’s supposed to write about her feelings and things that happened. I haven’t read them; she hasn’t offered. Claire did say she’s writing about Tony.”
At the mention of his name, Courtney looked into her near empty glass. “I was told that if I were ever to get the opportunity to visit then his name couldn’t be mentioned.”
“As was I. It’s a documented means for immediate dismissal, but, well…” Meredith shrugged. “…I broke that rule too. He was the topic that I believe brought her back. Oh, it was the medications that helped her hallucinations go away, but it was his name that pulled her back. She said she missed seeing him, and when I started recounting the stories she’d told me, it helped her remember.”
“I want to go.” Courtney’s blue eyes smiled. “I’ve been known to break a rule or two myself. Thank you for including me. I’m sorry I was so rude when you first arrived.”
“I understand. Despite all that the book has done for me and my family financially, if I could do it again, I wouldn’t write it.” After Meredith took a drink, she rephrased, “Maybe not. I mean, that knowledge helped me to help Claire, so I understand where you’re coming from, but it might have been written for this reason. Who are we to know the grander scheme?”
Courtney shrugged. “How can we do this?”
With the animosity gone, the two women worked toward a common goal and brainstormed ideas. During their second or third glass of wine, Courtney and Meredith devised and tweaked their plan. Though it was almost October, the days were staying warm with a sunshine whose rays shone until early evening. Meredith would take Claire on a walk, and Courtney would join them at the far west end of the grounds. It would be a short hike for Courtney to park and meet them undetected, but she didn’t mind. As long as it didn’t rain, they planned a visit for the next evening. When they left the restaurant, Courtney hugged Meredith. “I can’t tell you how excited I am. Thank you for all you’ve done.” Still gripping her shoulders, Courtney’s speech slowed and she added, “And, if you use any of this to write another book, I will personally come after you.”
The late afternoon September sun glistened through the trees. Claire didn’t know why Meredith rushed her dinner. It wasn’t that she minded, but she could tell something was different. It wasn’t until they were away from Everwood’s immediate grounds and into the paths through the woods that Meredith finally explained, “I have a surprise for you. I hope you’re all right with it.”
Claire eyed her friend suspiciously. “I trust you; however, I’m just not a fan of surprises.”
“I think you will be this one time. I know Emily has made it difficult for you to reconnect with anyone.”
Claire exhaled. “Difficult is a nice word. I mean, I understand her reasoning with Nichol. I do. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to see her. I think about her constantly. It’s just that I want to see others. It almost feels like—”
The squeeze of Meredith’s hands stopped Claire’s words. She saw a figure up ahead, through the darkening forest. Unconsciously, her steps slowed. Claire could tell it was a woman. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she heard the numbers. Suddenly, she realized she was counting her steps: twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five. She worked to block out the numbers and concentrate on the person ahead.
Claire continued walking.
Slowly, the figure came into view. The person took shape and her face became clear. Gasping, Claire realized it was Courtney merely yards in front of her. She dropped Meredith’s hand and ran to her friend. By the time they embraced, tears covered both of their cheeks.
Chapter Forty-Six
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
—Mahatma Gandhi
Claire woke with a start. Blinded by the sunlight streaming through the unblocked window, she tried to focus. The split second of disorientation faded as she remembered they were at the Simmons’ home. Reaching for her husband, she found only an empty bed. Claire crawled to the end of the mattress and peered into the empty crib. Her eyes searched for a clock while questions bombarded her thoughts: How late had she slept? Why hadn’t Tony brought Nichol to her to feed? Was he still here or had he and Phil already left?
Panic boiled through her veins as she wrapped a robe around her nightgown and rushed toward the kitchen. By the time she reached her destination, tears teetered on her lids and breathing required thought; then all at once, the tension severed. Her world was right. Tony was seated at the table, coffee in hand with Nichol in his arms. Phil was seated across from them as Courtney stood by the stove. The wonderful aroma of coffee and fried food filled the room as Courtney’s voice chatted on about nothing. Despite the worries of the world, Claire had entered the calm in the midst of a storm.
Hearing Claire enter, Tony looked up. Immediately, his expression darkened. “Claire, what’s the matter?”
Shaking her head, she exhaled the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “Nothing.” Going to him and Nichol, she kissed his cheek and reached for their daughter. “I was afraid you’d already left for the estate.”
“I wouldn’t do that,” he answered. Petting Nichol’s head, he straightened the fine strands of brown hair, and his tone lightened. “We were going to need to wake you soon. Someone was becoming impatient.”
Claire’s breasts ached as she settled into the nearby sunporch with Nichol. The windows offered a bright spring view. The earth had yet to wake from its winter nap, but the blue skies and warm rays of sunshine were promises of a greener world to come. The porch offered Claire modesty while keeping her close enough to hear the men discussing the logistics of the upcoming day.
Emily and John were due to arrive in Iowa around 3:00 PM. Eric filled Phil in on the itinerary, would keep them up-to-date, and promised to get them into the house unnoticed. While they talked options and scenarios, Claire had visions of a bad spy movie. Tony knew every inch of the estate. He explained entrances and exits while discussing security. For the first time, it seemed as though Tony wished he hadn’t installed the finest in security software.
Phil assured him, he’d check everything first. There wasn’t a security system he couldn’t disable or manipulate. With Tony’s intimate knowledge of the surroundings, Phil promised he could have it figured out in no time. Tony wanted to get to Catherine before the Vandersols arrived. His plan was to talk with her and stop anything from happening, before it even started. He had a valid concern that the Vandersols wouldn’t understand his presence, and, therefore, contact the authorities. Early intervention was safer for everyone.
Claire liked their confidence. For a plan that sounded like James Bond meets Inspector Gadget, they actually made it sound plausible. By the time she joined them at the table, she began to feel more confident herself. Hadn’t Phil once told her about his military career? Hadn’t he mentioned his history with the special ops? Surely, he’d dealt with enemies better trained and more frightening than Catherine London; besides, Tony had the element of surprise on his side. As long as Eric was truly trustworthy, Catherine should be caught unaware.
It was nearly noon when Phil’s phone buzzed and everyone stared. “It’s Eric, excuse me a second.” When he stepped from the room and walked down the hall, the ro
om where they sat was once again taut with tension. The earlier calm evaporated with the sound of Phil’s fading steps. Even Courtney remained silent as they waited for Phil’s return.
From out of nowhere, a forgotten memory returned to Claire. The room where Phil now stood talking on his phone was the same room where Marianne and Bonnie stood years ago. She remembered the cattiness in Bonnie’s voice as she discussed Claire’s clothes and undeserved devotion from Tony. At that time, Claire’s world was a lie. Every move she made and every word she said was solely to pacify the man Bonnie deemed as her sugar daddy. Looking at Tony now, she recalled the man he’d been and remembered the fear of disappointing him.
Today, her fear wasn’t the same. Claire didn’t fear disappointing Tony. She feared losing him. While they waited for Phil to return with his news, she yearned for the simplicity of a life with one goal: to please one man. The obstacles currently before them seemed insurmountable: Emily and John’s safety, Catherine’s plan for vengeance, the authorities, and their safe return to paradise. For a moment, she wished for the two of them alone in the beige-walled suite with heavy golden draperies. Never had she imagined those memories would be her go-to safe spot.
The sound of Phil’s determined steps claimed everyone’s attention. He spoke as soon as he entered the room, “Change of plans. It seems that John and Emily caught an earlier flight. Eric said he just dropped them off at the estate. He didn’t know about the change of plans until Catherine informed him they were going to the airport. This was his first chance to call.” Tony stood, but before he could speak, Phil continued, “There’s something else. Sophia Burke is at the estate.”
“Why?” Tony asked. “Has Catherine told her the truth?”
“Eric said that Sophia doesn’t know who Catherine is. The two of them have become friends, and since Derek is out of town with work, Sophia is staying with her friend Catherine.”
Courtney interjected, “Yes, Derek Burke is with Brent. Remember that meeting in Chicago? Another member of the Rawlings legal team was supposed to go instead of Brent, but she had a conflict, so last night, Brent volunteered to go, but they left early this morning and are coming home this afternoon. Why would Sophia need someplace to stay?”
Phil shrugged. “We can’t get you to Catherine before the Vandersols arrive.”
Tony stood straighter. “We need to go now. I don’t trust her alone with them any longer than necessary. Besides, it’s a big house. With the security monitored I should be able to avoid encountering…” He looked toward Claire. “…your family. It would be nice if I could get in and out without additional conflict.”
Phil answered, “I’ll text Eric, and we’ll confirm our meeting point.”
Claire summoned every mask from her past. She wasn’t trying to hide her feelings. She wanted to be strong for Tony. Hoping that her voice didn’t reveal her insecurities, she said, “Good.”
He raised a questioning eyebrow.
Claire continued, “The sooner you get this done, the sooner we can get back. Once you’ve secured Emily and John’s safety, if there’s any threat of them calling the authorities, call me. I’ll convince them to give us our year as a family.”
“No! Claire, you’re not getting close to the estate. You’re not getting involved. We discussed that.” Authority filled every word. He had no intentions of his directive being disobeyed.
“I know that. I still might be able to help.” Tony’s eyes spoke volumes. It was a look she’d seen too many times. Claire didn’t want to distract him from his objective. She softened her voice. “If you need me, call. I won’t come unless you assure me it’s safe.”
Gripping her shoulders, he said, “I love you. Your safety isn’t debatable. Do not disappoint me.”
She stared for only a moment, knowing Tony and Phil needed to leave. The vast darkness pulled her in. His tone sounded like the man from years ago; however, behind the darkness, within the black holes, she saw love, possession, and protection. She wouldn’t look away; she never could. For a split second, she marveled at how warm and secure his gaze made her feel, such a contrast to the memories of coldness. Lifting her face, she brushed her lips on his and replied, “I won’t, Tony.” Then with a knowing grin, she added, “Don’t disappoint me, either.”
He hugged her and paused a moment to kiss Nichol, who was laying in Courtney’s arms. His lips lingered on her fine hair, as he seemed to be inhaling her fresh baby scent. Claire fought the lump in her throat as she watched him close his eyes, savoring their daughter. Seconds later, he walked away, saying, “We’ll call when it’s done.”
They were gone.
Claire stared at the hallway in silence. Staying strong was no longer necessary. When the empty corridor became blurry, she turned toward Courtney. The tears continued to flow as her anguish came out with each word. Claire wasn’t looking for validation. She knew her statement was correct. Instead, she took comfort in the ability to relay her thoughts honestly and audibly. “Our lives are so fucked up!”
Courtney’s laughter filled the room. “You certainly do know how to sum it up!”
“Well, you said you wanted honesty.”
Sophia excused herself from the dining room, once again marveling at Marie’s home. It didn’t matter how many times she visited, she always found something new. Although she rarely watched television, Sophia enjoyed a good movie, especially the classics. Quietly, she made her way to the lower level and the movie room. As she searched the menu of hundreds, if not thousands of titles, she thought about the couple upstairs, the Vandersols. Marie explained that they were Ms. Nichols’ family, and since her disappearance was still unsolved, they wanted to retrieve some of her things. Truthfully, they were polite enough during lunch, but Sophia couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something happening below the surface. For one thing, they didn’t refer to Marie as Marie; instead, they called her Catherine. Spending a few hours in the theater would allow the Vandersols and Marie, or Catherine, some privacy. It was the least she could do for Marie after all she’d done for her.
Tony never thought much about Eric. He just was. He always had been. From Tony’s first million, Eric was by his side. In all those years, they’d never sat down and had a heart to heart. He’d never asked Eric about his personal life. Did he even have one? Yet Eric knew Tony’s deepest, darkest secrets. Not only did he know, he’d participated, without question, without hesitation, just like a good, trustworthy employee. It was true, Eric was paid exceptionally well for his loyalty; however, as Tony and Phil waited in the shadows of an old country church, with the van safely stashed along a side road, Tony wondered if Eric’s devotion had a price, one that could be bought by someone else.
Phil had made his price known from the beginning. Yes, Tony understood Phil changed allegiances from Catherine for more than money. Tony would be an idiot not to see the man’s devotion to Claire; however, Tony acknowledged that while Phil was unsuccessful at stopping Patrick Chester in California, for weeks on end, he’d kept Claire safe in Europe. Tony also knew that if this were a trap with the FBI waiting, Phil would continue to devote himself to keeping Claire free from harm. Anyone capable of doing that was worth their weight in gold.
Things with Eric were different. Over the years, his responsibilities morphed and grew with Tony’s expectations. Not once, no matter the directive, could Tony remember Eric disappointing him? Had he ever told Eric he appreciated all he did? Tony couldn’t remember that either. After all, men don’t discuss their feelings regarding one another. More than that, Tony had never given gratitude much thought. Eric had a job. He did it. When everything goes down and Tony turns state’s evidence, he would not take Eric with him. Most of his activities were done without Eric’s knowledge, and when he was required to participate, it was coerced and done under duress. If asked, that was the story Tony planned to maintain.
Now, as he watched the dark limousine come into view, Tony wondered if his devotion was truly reciprocated. Could Eric h
ave been bought out? Could Tony and Phil be walking into a trap? They needed to be prepared. Tony leaned toward Phil and whispered, “I’ve changed my mind.”
Phil’s normal facade cracked. “You came all this way, and you’re not going through with this?”
“No,” Tony corrected. “When we get to the estate, I want you to go with Eric to the command center of the house. I want you to verify what cameras are working and that the house is free of feds. I also want you to stay with Eric to be sure my encounter is being recorded. Maybe I can get Catherine to talk.”
The limousine was now rolling to a stop. Tony didn’t need to voice his possible concern of insubordination. Phil understood the hidden meaning. No one person could be trusted. This new plan would assure them of Eric’s honesty.
Watching Eric get out of the car, Tony hoped that he was only being paranoid. After all, he and Eric had been through a lot; nonetheless, when Eric opened the back compartment, Tony glanced at Phil who nodded in return and touched his side. Tony nodded. Phil had a gun and was willing to use it.
As Tony stepped passed Eric, he realized how genuinely glad he was to see him. Perhaps life on the run had made him suspicious. Tony patted Eric’s shoulder and said, “Good to see you, my man.”
With a tip of his head, Eric responded, “And you too, Mr. Rawlings.” It was as if Tony had been gone on a business meeting, not hiding on the other side of the world.
Once the car moved, Tony began, “Tell us what’s happening at the estate.”
“Ms. London is preoccupied with her guests. I’m sure taking the car out for maintenance wasn’t one of her concerns.”
Phil interjected, “The limo was a smart move, dark windows.”
“Thank you, sir. I figured I can get the two of you in the garages without any issues.”
The Consequences Series Box Set Page 161