Consequences

by Aleatha Romig

  She didn’t know what to expect from a private jet. It seemed smaller on the outside than she anticipated. Once they climbed the steps, she was pleasantly surprised by the spacious interior. To her left was the door to the cockpit and to her right was an open space with a table and four chairs. Beyond was a sofa along one wall facing three reclining chairs along the other. Everything was secured and contained seat belts like you would expect on a plane. The chairs and some of the walls were luxuriously covered with white leather and accented with woodlike trim. There was additional space behind the far wall. Claire guessed that it contained a bathroom, maybe more.

  Tony introduced Claire to his associates and motioned for her to take a seat on the sofa near the wall. Everyone was polite and friendly. She went to the sofa as she was told. Tony, Mr. Simmons, Ms. Michaels, and Mr. Fields sat around the oval table. Eric joined them on the plane after loading their luggage into a compartment below. Surprisingly he sat in the copilot’s seat. His talents suddenly impressed her. He obviously is the world’s most versatile chauffeur.

  Claire watched and listened as Tony and the others discussed the impending deal. She honestly didn’t care about the deal other than its impact on Tony. She liked to watch him work, his expertise, his intelligence, and his control. He respected the knowledge and wisdom of his associates, asked them questions, and listened intently to their responses and opinions. With that said, Claire knew that when the time came for decisions, the only opinion that mattered would be his.

  After they were in the air and the discussion at the table became mundane, Claire thought about napping and remembered Catherine’s advice. To stay awake she looked in her purse, another treasure hunt. First she opened her wallet. Staring back at her was her picture from her Georgia driver’s license. She read the identification card and saw her Atlanta address. Compartmentalize. Her picture didn’t look like her. The picture was taken two years earlier and her face had changed, slimmed, tanned, and just changed. Her height, five four, was the same; her weight, one hundred and twenty-five, was closer to actual. That hadn’t been the case four months ago. The listed weight had been accurate when she was sixteen and like with everyone else it had inched up through the years. However, now it seemed accurate if not erroneously high. Next Claire spotted the American Express platinum card with Claire Nichols embossed on the front.

  When Tony first gave Claire the card she didn’t want to use it. She thanked him for the confidence and faith and tried to explain that there was nothing she needed. She had all the clothes she could possibly wear. She actually had many she’d never worn. Food came to her three times a day and she had a roof over her head. She had no interest in jewelry, having her grandmother’s necklace was all she wanted. She loved to read, but so far the library contained more than she could hope to read.

  Tony wouldn’t accept any of her excuses. He told her to ask him when she wanted to go shopping. She didn’t ask. After a week he apparently gave up. One evening, over dinner, he proclaimed, “Eric is taking you into Davenport tomorrow to shop.” Claire remembered suddenly feeling ill. She didn’t speak at first and only stared, “Claire, did you hear me?” He knew she did, he wanted verbal confirmation.

  “Yes, Tony, I heard you. I thought we discussed this and decided I had no pressing need for anything.”

  “I am pretty sure we discussed it and I have said you are going tomorrow.”

  “But don’t you need Eric tomorrow?”

  His eyes darkened as his tone slowed, “Are you arguing? You were a confident woman when I met you. You have learned your lessons well. You need to get out in the world. And for the record, this conversation is now over. Unless you feel it would be beneficial to argue?”

  Claire wanted to complain and explain that she worried about the Charles Jacksons of the world. But she’d made that mistake before. She swallowed. “What time does Eric need me to be ready?”

  The trip to Davenport was unnerving. Eric picked Claire up in a black BMW. She sat in the backseat and felt awkward without Tony. Driving away from the house she told herself he was right. She had been a confident woman, and besides, one day she would be leaving here. She also knew the truth. This was a test to determine if she could be trusted out by herself. And she learned from earlier glitches the best way to pass a test is to avoid it. Tony made it clear: avoiding this was not an option.

  Eric took her to the River Walk Shoppes, higher-end boutiques in the Quad Cities. She entered each shop and took her time looking around. At first, her senses were on high alert, afraid of everyone that approached her. She soon realized that no one paid that much attention to her. The clerks were attentive and she was shown everything and anything she wanted. People didn’t browse these shops if they couldn’t buy.

  Claire saw no reporters. No one stared or asked questions. By the time she made it down the street to a small coffee shop she felt better about her outing, and even drank coffee sitting at an outside table. She sipped the aromatic rich brew and watched people as they rushed down the sidewalks. She missed being around people. However, the idea of speaking to anyone frightened her. What if she said something wrong?

  By the time Eric returned to pick her up, she found a few books on butterflies and some casual clothes for her busy event-filled days. It wasn’t a lot, but she did what she’d been told to do and honestly enjoyed it.

  Tony seemed disappointed that she hadn’t bought more, but also pleased that she did as he instructed. He then expected her to give him a fashion show of her finds and suggested that next time she buy some items he would like too. That meant fashions with much less material.

  Once the jet landed the five of them entered a waiting limousine. The four continued to discuss their impending meeting. Claire sat silently listening, trying to go unnoticed. It was nine twenty and their meeting was at ten. Eric rode in the passenger seat next to the driver. In no time they were in the throes of New York City grid-lock traffic. The car traveled in short, accelerated movements.

  Claire experienced this traffic from the back of a taxi when she lived with Emily and John and knew that it could stifle travel and wreak havoc on schedules. Tony didn’t seem concerned. Their car pulled up to their destination with minutes to spare. The four associates got out and proceeded through the big glass doors. Claire found herself alone in a large limousine. She didn’t know where she was going or how long she would be there. Her life was no longer in her hands, and she was somehow coming to terms with that.

  His apartment wasn’t like any apartment she’d seen before. A housekeeper greeted her at the door. “Ms. Claire, welcome. My name is Jan. Let me show you to Mr. Rawlings’s room. We will put your belongings there and show you around.” Claire thanked Jan and followed her. The apartment filled two stories and the entryway had a staircase that reached a landing on the second floor. It contained a massive sitting room complete with fireplace, dining room, kitchen, and office on the first level. Claire called it the first level, but in actuality it was seventy-six stories from the ground. The sitting room and dining room had floor to ceiling windows that looked out over the city and toward the water. She’d spent many days and nights in NYC but had never seen a view like this.

  Tony’s bedroom was large and decorated with dark masculine colors. A large high bed with a leather headboard and complementary leather furniture filled the room. Jan carried Claire’s hanging bag, and two other staff members assisted with the rest of their luggage. Once things were put away Jan asked Claire if she would like some lunch or if she would rather rest. Claire decided a little lunch before a nap would be good.

  Tony arrived at the apartment at about seven o’clock. He wasn’t alone. Brent Simmons was with him. They arrived conversing about something that happened during the day. Their conversation continued into the dining room, where they opened briefcases, laptops, and resumed their debate. Jan asked Mr. Rawlings if he would like dinner and he told her to just bring them something they could eat while working. Claire hoped for a night out un
der the lights of New York. She settled for a night with her book, wearing a black silk nightgown and falling asleep before Tony ever made it to the bedroom.

  He left before she awoke. If his side of the bed wasn’t unmade, she wouldn’t have known he had been there. In the morning she found a note next to the bed:

  Eric is available to you all day. Have

  a good day in the city. Be back by 6.

  Do not disappoint me.

  And there was cash with a separate note:

  For tipping, remember, appearances!

  Okay, she thought. I am stuck in New York. I might as well enjoy myself.

  After her shower, Jan served her a wonderful breakfast and promised she would be notified as soon as Eric returned from taking Mr. Rawlings to his office. By ten Claire sat in the back of a limousine while Eric drove her to some shopping therapy. She decided if Tony wanted her to shop so badly, this definitely was the place to do it. She always enjoyed shopping in NYC, but this would be a new experience. The vastness of the city, along with the quantity of people gave Claire the feeling of anonymity. A feeling she didn’t have in Davenport. No one would even notice her here. She could do as she pleased.

  “To Fifth Avenue and Fifty-first Street, please.” Eric didn’t hesitate. Claire decided she could keep herself busy with Versace, Prada, Bendel, and Louis Vuitton for at least four or five hours. Eric gave Claire a card with his cell phone number and explained that she needn’t worry about carrying any purchases. Tell the clerk to call him, her driver. He would pick up everything she bought. He dropped her off near East Fifty-first and Madison and promised to pick her up near the Plaza Hotel at East Fifty-eighth Street at two. At that time, he would be happy to take her to her next destination.

  As Claire stepped from the car with her high-heeled sandals hitting the concrete and her chiffon sundress blowing slightly in the breeze, she felt like a model doing a magazine shoot. It didn’t seem real. She kept telling herself, “Play the part.” The summer heat radiated in waves off the pavement, and the sounds of the city invigorated her as she fought the crowds of people along the sidewalk.

  First she entered Versace. The ornate limestone facade with the large glass doors, and an unlimited amount of money in her purse gave her a rush of adrenaline. It felt different from exercise. It was the strange sensation that she could buy anything and everything she wanted. She did her best to feign the image of someone accustomed to spending. It didn’t take long before she believed it as much as the store’s associates.

  She tried very hard to not notice prices as she chose dress possibilities. She liked a cotton pique sheath dress and a gathered bodice sheath dress. They accentuated her trimmer figure. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she judged her image by would Tony like this? She decided he would. According to the associate she also needed shoes. When all was said and done and she paid for her two outfits, she almost lost her composure. The associate smiled and said, “That will be $3,657. Would you like to place that on an existing account?”

  Claire worked diligently to keep her mask intact although her heart rate dramatically increased. “No, I will pay for it now and my driver will be back to pick it up. Let me give you his number and he will work out the details.” She handed the associate her American Express.

  “Thank you, madam, I will be glad to take care of that for you.” She rang the transaction. This kind associate definitely needed a tip, appearances.

  Claire preceded north, next stop Cartier. She was determined to make it back to the apartment with items to show Tony. She decided on a nice little pair of sunglasses for only $500. She thought about the $10 sunglasses she wore for all four years of college. She then continued with more shopping. The crowds of people talking, the cash registers ringing, the smells of exhaust and crowds, the sights of tall buildings as she looked up to the sky, all worked to build the feeling of elation.

  By one o’clock, Claire was exhausted. She purchased a few dresses, some shoes, a few new lingerie items, and sunglasses. She successfully spent over $5,000. It truly seemed ridiculous to her, but she was determined to make Tony proud. She didn’t want to shop anymore. She stopped at the Trump Tower, less than two blocks from her pick-up destination, to have lunch. She’d been there before and remembered the Trump Café. The people and beauty of the glass caught her attention as she entered the Atrium, but her mind focused on food.

  In the past four months she hadn’t made one decision about food. Now she salivated at the idea of ordering anything she wanted. There were even desserts. She took a few minutes wandering around the cases, so many choices. The aroma from the grill caused her to think of hamburgers in the summertime. She could almost taste the foods as she inhaled their delicious scents. She silently debated her options.

  Claire found a table near the window and ate her spinach salad, iced tea, and yogurt. It was still her choice but eating healthy made more sense. She ate and watched. New York had always been fun, and even today, by herself, she found it fun. She glanced at her watch, one forty. She finished her lunch and walked toward the Plaza Hotel. Tony wouldn’t be waiting. But she didn’t want Eric to tell him she was late.

  When Eric pulled the car to the curb, Claire was ready to get in. However, she waited for Eric to park, get out, and open her door. She’d learned to perform her part well. Once back on the road he inquired as to the next destination. “I believe I’m tired and would like to go back to the apartment. Oh, did you pick up my purchases?” Yes, they were in the trunk. He would have someone take them to Mr. Rawlings’s room immediately upon arriving at the apartment.

  Claire sat back, closed her eyes, and let herself be taken back to Tony’s. It wasn’t until she was almost back at the apartment that it occurred to her, Emily and John are only three hours out of the city. She could get there by train. If she had Eric drop her off near a station, she could get to their house and be back in the span of a day. She used to ride the train all the time. No one would ever know. She couldn’t do it today but excitement brewed as she began to work out the details in her head for tomorrow.

  She slept soundly on his bed when he entered the bedroom. It was about three thirty in the afternoon. “We did it! The deal is complete.”

  Claire woke from her nap and tried to concentrate on his words. “That is great. I’m happy for you.”

  “We are going to celebrate!” Tony exclaimed as Claire started to get out of bed. “Where are you going?” The tone of his question accompanied by his gaze instigated a chill evidenced by goose bumps on Claire’s arms.

  “I thought you wanted to celebrate. I need to dress.”

  His voice less celebratory, more menacing, “Yes, you do, but first you need to undress while we celebrate here.” Tony removed his Brooks Brothers suit jacket and silk tie, letting them fall to the floor, and unbuttoned his shirt. Claire was napping in a pair of shorts and a shirt. She did as he bid and removed her shorts and then her shirt.

  Her instincts told her that the vigor and energy acquired from his successful business dealings would be unleashed here and now. She was thankful she napped. Apprehensively, Claire watched as he walked toward her, his clothes gone. His chest was wide, defined, and covered with dark hair. His trim abdomen was obviously the result of keeping fit. His hips were narrow, and his waist had a light trail of hair leading to where Claire could plainly see he was ready to celebrate. She didn’t need to help him, he was in charge. Although she’d been sleeping something about his demeanor alarmed her, she was fully awake as her body trembled.

  Tony pushed his body against hers. Moving fast and rough, he pulled her against him. She tasted coffee as his lips forcefully engaged hers. She attempted to slow down his movements. Expecting to be lifted onto the bed she was surprised when he pushed her, causing her cheek to feel the softness of the down comforter. She hadn’t expected his actions and he hadn’t prepared her. Her fingers gripped the cover, forming fists as she stifled the urge to cry out. He continued to dominate, showing no meekness. A
nthony Rawlings had total control.

  When he finished, he instructed her to kneel. He held her head and dictated her movements until he was ready again. This time he took more time, more positions, and more possibilities. His authoritative tone resumed with instructions and directions. Eventually he led her to the shower. They needed to get ready to go out. The soap, the multiple shower heads, he continued. Finally, he finished.

  He then took shampoo and began to wash Claire’s hair. After ravaging her body, he touched her hair like it was satin. Suddenly, his movements were tender and gentle. She responded appropriately, but couldn’t help think how much she despised him. One day she wanted to help him, to be with him, the next he treated her like a whore. It made her heart ache, but she stopped the tears. He already took too much. She wasn’t giving him those too.

  That night, dressed in a sleek black strapless dress with black heels, Claire was escorted by Tony to Daniel, one of the few four-star restaurants in Manhattan. Located on the Upper East Side, it is known for its elegant ambiance and delicious French cuisine. En route, Tony reminded Claire about his rules: do as she was told, keep up appearances, and the severity of punishment for public failure. Perhaps he could sense her overwhelming desire to flee and felt the need to reiterate the consequences if she tried.

  When they arrived at Daniel they went to the lounge, where Tony ordered cocktails. They sipped drinks while Tony talked about his amazing rescue of this sensational deal. Claire felt like she was spending the evening with two different men. He could chastise her in one breath and be refined and charming in the next. While talking about his deal he said that he didn’t like to talk about money, but today he made more than most people do in an entire lifetime, quoting, “Hell, more than most families do in their lifetimes.”