The Consequences Series Box Set

by Aleatha Romig

  Expecting to see sadness, Claire turned with a vengeance. “I’m not going to subject our child to this negativity regarding his or her father. Honestly John…and Emily,” she added, “I’m looking out on a pristine tree-lined street in one of the most affluent areas of the country. Emily, you say you’re taking a break from teaching. Why? I’ll tell you why. It’s because you can afford to do it. For the first time, you can afford it. You say Tony ruined your lives. I’m not saying he didn’t do things that are regrettable. I’m not downplaying the hell you or I went through. I’m saying we came out the other side and you know what? You don’t look too worse for wear. And I’m tired of hearing about Clay’s presence. Do you know why he’s here? Because both Tony and I knew that Tony wouldn’t be welcome. Clay isn’t spying on me: he’s protecting me. Did you all forget about Patrick Chester? My laptop still hasn’t been found. And, yes, Tony has money. That makes me a target for crazy people. I’d rather have Clay nearby than live in fear.”

  “But if you weren’t with him, you wouldn’t be a target,” Emily tried.

  “Our child would be. No matter what you say, or what you want me to do, this is my life, and I choose to live it with Anthony Rawlings. We’ve taken a long and unconventional road to get to where we are. But let me tell you: where we are is a good place. I want to have the two of you in our lives and the life of our child. That choice is yours. My child will not pay the price for the sins of his father, from you or from anyone else.”

  Emily stood shell-shocked. “I’d h-hoped…” her words trailed away.

  “What, Emily? You’d hoped I would come to California and decide to stay?”

  Emily shook her head and then shrugged her shoulders. “I’d hoped that when John decided to take the job at SiJo we’d be together again, the three of us. Like it used to be.”

  Though Emily’s cheeks were damp, Claire had yet to shed a tear as she spoke each word with conviction, “I’m not the little sister who needs you to tell me what to do. I’ll admit that I’ve lived through hell, but so has Tony. You don’t know the half of it, and frankly, it’s none of your business. But we’ve come out stronger. I’m stronger, and I want our child to have both parents. It’s more than that: even without our child, I want to marry Tony again.”

  “It seemed like you and Harr—”

  “Stop,” John interrupted. “Claire’s made her point. She didn’t come here to escape. She came to tell us about her engagement. We don’t have to like it, but I don’t believe Claire came to Palo Alto for our permission.”

  Emily exhaled. “How can you take her side? We’ve discussed this. Think of everythin—”

  John cupped his wife’s cheeks. “I’m not taking her side. I’ve always been on your side and I always will be. Don’t you see? So will Claire. She’ll always choose Anthony, just like I’ll always choose you. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be? We can also be on Claire’s side and the side of our niece or nephew.” He turned to Claire. “That’s the best I can offer you right now. I admit that I have a lot of resentment. I’m not as ready to forgive as you. Maybe that makes you a better person. I’ve always thought you were pretty special.”

  Tears teetered on Claire’s lids. “Thank you, John…Emily?”

  Emily took a ragged breath and leaned into John with her head shaking from side to side.

  “Emily, we’re all the family we’ve got. I want our child to know and love his aunt and uncle. I hope someday Tony and I can be the same for your children. Maybe someday you will want the same thing.”

  Emily left John’s embrace and walked to her sister. “Baby steps. I’ll support you and your baby. I want to be Aunt Em,” she added with a sad grin.

  The irony helped to coat John’s cheeks in fresh tears. Emily was being Aunt Em, and he was Uncle John. Nichol was absolutely beautiful. After a few days of fussing at the formula, she was eating and sleeping like a champ. The first time Claire had awakened, John called Emily and told her to bring Nichol to the hospital.

  Claire acted confused, but John felt confident that her daughter would snap her back to reality. She didn’t. The first time they tried, Claire held Nichol and cried. The next time that Emily brought her in the room, Claire just turned away and stared out the window. It was the saddest thing he’d ever seen.

  The doctors explained it as a psychotic break—like a reprieve for the mind. Being a healthy, young woman, the prognosis was good. Yet no promises for the length of the episode could be made. The doctors said to take it one day at a time.

  What made that increasingly difficult were the criminal charges facing Claire.

  The police had tried to question her. She wouldn’t answer anyone’s questions about anything. Even Jane Allyson had been in and out trying to work on Claire’s defense. Increasingly, it seemed that self-defense and temporary insanity would be the best route.

  Once again, focusing on his sister-in-law, John prayed that her condition was temporary. As hard as this was for Emily and him, he couldn’t imagine what Claire was enduring. Trying to pass time, John paced the hospital room. He’d done it for more hours than he could count. He knew the number of tiles in the floor as well as the number of tiles in the ceiling. At some point he had a random thought about why that number wasn’t the same. The answer was obvious: the size of the tiles. The ones on the floor were square, while the ones on the ceiling were rectangle. His interior monologues were a simple means of diversion: one he’d used successfully while incarcerated. Life seemed to have a repeat button.

  Whenever his thoughts returned to incarceration, John’s blood pressure rose and his hands clenched unconsciously into fists. The next logical step in his stream of consciousness was Anthony Rawlings. Maybe Claire did love him, and maybe he was the father of that beautiful baby girl back at the hotel; nevertheless, he still deserved to be the one rotting in a prison cell—not John and not Claire. The idea that his sister-in-law could be convicted for a crime and once again Rawlings would go free was absurd.

  That was why he and Jane went to Catherine London’s hospital room. They were in search of the truth—of answers. They asked her what exactly had happened at the estate. After that conversation, accusing Rawlings with false imprisonment seemed a foregone conclusion. There was no way they could let Claire face felony charges and Rawlings some misdemeanor charge. Knowing his depth of influence, especially in Iowa, he’d probably get off with a light sentence or pay a fine, get a slap on the wrist, and walk away scot-free.

  John remembered the pain in Catherine’s eyes, her expression one of devastation as she spoke of the fateful events. The only reason John and Jane were granted access to Catherine’s guarded room was because they were Claire’s attorneys. Even still, Catherine’s attorney was also present.

  “Catherine, how are you feeling?” John asked with true concern in his voice.

  “Mr. Vandersol, I-I…”

  John stepped closer. “Catherine, we’ve been through this before. I’m nothing like that man. Please call me John.” Motioning to his side, he said, “This is Jane Allyson. She’s Claire’s defense attorney. We’re hoping you could tell us something, anything, that would help with Claire’s defense and help nail Rawlings to the proverbial wall.”

  The gray behind her pained eyes showed a spark of interest. “That’s why you’re here?”

  Jane tenderly replied, “Ms. London, I understand this is difficult for you. You’ve worked for him for so long. It’s understandable how devastating it would be to have someone you’ve trusted most of your life turn on you.”

  A single tear descended Catherine’s cheek. “There’s so much. Did you know Sophia Burke died?” More tears cascaded as she closed her eyes and shook her head. “And you, Mr.—I mean—John, the police said that you were trapped in the suite during the fire? I don’t know how that could have happened. How did Mr. Rawlings even know where you were? I hadn’t seen him in months. I thought he and Claire were dead…” Her voice trailed away.

  Jane touched Cather
ine’s hand. “Can you please tell us why you called the police?”

  Catherine adjusted the buttons on the hospital bed. As she sat straighter, her expression turned into a grimace.

  “How are you doing?” John asked.

  “I’ll be all right. The bullet didn’t do any lasting damage. Thankfully, they were able to remove it, and it missed my vital organs.” She winced as she settled into a more comfortable position. “I’m pretty sore. I don’t think I’ll be running any marathons for a while.”

  “Ms. London, why did you call the police?” Jane asked again.

  Her gray eyes clouded as she replayed the memory of the crucial afternoon. “I had just had lunch with…” she looked toward John. “…you, your wife, and Sophia. Then I went into the home office to check my emails. When I opened the door, imagine my shock. Mr. Rawlings was seated at the desk. It didn’t take long for him to start accusing me of vile things. I had no idea what he was even saying. It didn’t make any sense. He spoke about his grandfather and his parents. The way he was ranting and raving…” She closed her eyes and another tear found its escape. When she opened them, her voice was meeker, “It was like how he used to be to her. I was frightened.”

  John’s license to practice law didn’t give him that ability in the state of Iowa; nevertheless, he couldn’t stop the question that had burned in him since he’d first learned the truth about Claire and Anthony’s beginning. “Catherine, why didn’t you help Claire back then?”

  “I did all I could do. I tried to make it better.”

  John nodded. He’d heard the stories of how Catherine had been Claire’s saving grace, especially during the first months. “But surely you knew what he was doing. Why didn’t you report him?”

  “I wanted to.” She looked down to her lap and her voice trailed away. “I should have. I’m sorry, I was so scared…” After a deep breath she straightened her shoulders and continued, “That’s why I called the police. After being away from him for so long, I felt stronger than I had in years. I refused to go back to the way things were. I didn’t want that for Claire or for me. Then when she arrived, she was so scared. I could tell she felt trapped.”

  Jane pushed forward. “Why would Claire, the person you’d helped, try to shoot you?”

  Catherine’s head tilted from side to side. “I don’t know. Was she? I mean, I was trying to protect the baby—Nichol, right?—from Mr. Rawlings. Claire was yelling. I don’t know if she was trying to shoot me. That wouldn’t make sense. Perhaps she was trying to finally be free. I can certainly relate.” She turned again to John. “Is it true what the press is saying? Is it true that Claire isn’t communicating with anyone?”

  This time, John was the one to nod. “Damn press. Yes, it’s true.”

  “How long do the doctors think it’ll be…I mean, before she can remember?”

  “They don’t know. We’d hoped that she’d snap out of it before now. She rarely wakes, but when she does, she doesn’t speak and only stares. It’s like we’re not even there. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  Catherine’s brows peaked. “She’s not saying anything?”

  “She only speaks in her sleep. She calls out for him.”

  “John, please tell Emily that I’m sorry I didn’t do more for her sister. I truly tried to help, the only way I knew how.”

  “I will. Perhaps she’ll be by to visit?”

  For the first time since their arrival, Catherine smiled. “That would be nice. I’d like that.”

  Catherine’s attorney spoke, “My client has been through a lot. If you’d like to return, contact me first. If you have no further questions…”

  After their visit, John and Jane spoke for hours contemplating Claire’s defense. It appeared clear: Claire didn’t try to shoot Catherine. She was trying to get away from Anthony Rawlings, again. Unfortunately, the Iowa City police weren’t as easily satisfied. Although her previous record had been expunged, everyone knew that the current charge of attempted murder levied against Claire Nichols Rawlings, was not her first. The question for her new legal team was how would Claire respond? The longer she remained incoherent, the more likely it seemed that Jane would be forced to file a not guilty by reason of insanity plea. While often an attempt at a lesser sentence, or more accurately hospitalization versus incarceration, this plea would be Claire’s true stance. If things stayed status quo, medical authentication wouldn’t be a problem.

  John’s visit to Catherine, seeing the fear in her eyes as she talked about Anthony’s temper, helped him decide to pursue the protective order. This woman had worked for Rawlings for the better part of her life, and yet she seemed terrified. There was no way that John could sit back and let Claire and Nichol go back to him. Many years ago, when Emily and Claire’s parents died, he took on the role as man of the house. It wasn’t an old-fashioned do as I say role. No, it was one of protector and provider. Never had he considered it cumbersome. On the contrary, after knowing Jordon and Shirley Nichols, John felt it an honor to watch over both of their precious daughters. The way he saw it, he’d failed Claire too many times. Later that night as he rocked his niece to sleep, John Vandersol swore he wouldn’t allow it to happen again, not to Claire and not to Nichol.

  The morning of Anthony Rawlings’ first court appearance, Jane Allyson insisted that neither John nor Emily be present in Claire’s hospital room. She had a sheriff’s deputy strategically positioned, ready to serve Rawlings with the protective order. The Iowa City policemen outside of Claire’s door didn’t hurt. Of course, they were present because Claire was officially in police custody. Jane promised that she’d stay with Claire, and if need be, she’d speak with Mr. Rawlings.

  Had it not been for the gleam in her eye as she discussed a possible confrontation, John may have refused. However, that sparkle was present. Jane assured them that she’d had more than one run-in with the infamous Anthony Rawlings, and she wasn’t intimidated. Though Emily didn’t want to leave, John agreed. It would be better to have Rawlings walk through a restraining order and be greeted by Iowa City’s finest and Jane Allyson than by Emily and John. The volatile scene had the potential of becoming a full-out war. John was done being Mr. Nice Guy.

  IT'D BEEN A LONG few days. As the memories of everything began to quiet and much-needed rest crept upon John’s tired body, he did his best to find a comfortable position in the hospital recliner by Claire’s bed. So far, Anthony hadn’t attempted to break the restraining order, and the police were still present. After all, she’d recently been officially booked and charged with attempted murder. John’s only disagreement with the charge was the victim. Claire would never try to kill Catherine.

  Just as sleep was about to win, the hospital door opened and Emily entered carrying the car seat Roach had given them only a few days ago. John rushed forward, kissed Emily’s cheek, and reached for the small seat. “You shouldn’t be carrying this all over.”

  Emily scoffed. “I’m fine. I’m tired, but carrying Nichol isn’t going to hurt our baby. She barely weighs a thing.”

  His brow scrunched as he lifted the pink blanket. “Hi, little girl, why don’t you weigh more? Aren’t you eating for your Aunt Em?”

  Stifling a giggle, Emily answered. “Oh, no. She’s finally eating—and, boy, is she eating. I think maybe we’re finding a routine.”

  John lifted Nichol, removing her from the confines of the straps and blankets as her little legs kicked. “I think she likes getting free of that seat.” He glanced toward the bed. Though the monitors hadn’t changed their monotonous beeps, Claire’s eyes were open. John walked toward the bed. “Claire, look who came to see you. Can you please sit up?” Instead of moving, her eyes shut as if not hearing or recognizing the commotion around her.

  “Claire, why don’t you sit up? I’ll get you some water,” Emily prompted. More out of obedience, as Emily pushed the buttons on the bed, Claire moved herself to a sitting position. Once she was upright, Emily handed her a Styrofoam cup with a straw. W
hen Claire didn’t reach for it, Emily placed it closer. Claire leaned forward, and sucked from the straw. Lowering the side rail, Emily scooted next to her sister. “Hi, sweetie, I know you’re hearing me. I think Nichol needs her mommy. What do you think?”

  Again, she didn’t respond.

  John came forward and placed Nichol across Claire’s lap. Emily encouraged Claire’s movements while her daughter kicked with glee, rooting toward her mother. Unfazed, Claire sat stoically, gazing not at her beautiful child, but toward the blind-covered window. When Nichol’s cries broke the trance, hers weren’t the only cheeks that were damp.

  Chapter Eight

  March 2014

  Harry

  I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

  —FBI oath of office

  ASSOCIATED PRESS:

  Iowa City, Iowa, USA

  The Iowa City Police Department has finally confirmed that Anthony Rawlings, missing CEO of Rawlings Industries, has been located and arrested in regard to an alleged incident occurring at his estate outside of Iowa City, Iowa, USA. This alleged incident also included Claire Nichols Rawlings, who was reported missing on September 4, 2013, by Mr. Rawlings himself.

  According to Iowa City police records, unbeknownst to family and friends, Anthony and Claire Rawlings remarried at an undisclosed location in October of 2013. It has not been confirmed, but it has been mentioned that the two wed outside of the United States. Mrs. Rawlings’s family confirmed that while missing, the couple gave birth to a daughter. No more information regarding the child has been released.