It would be at times like that when Tony would remember the little seed that had been planted decades ago—the seed which grew tall and deep and reminded him that a Nichols helped to condemn his grandfather to twenty-two months in prison. That time period resonated in Tony’s psyche. Twenty-two months—the length of time that Nathaniel Rawls lost to the state of New York for sins that were saddled on him by Sherman Nichols and Jonathon Burke. With that time period in mind, Claire’s sentence was almost up. Originally, it had been the time period Tony had hoped to keep Claire. He and Catherine had even discussed what would happen to her once it was all over.
Since the very beginning, Catherine had reminded him that Tony needed to stay cognizant of his public persona. If Claire failed, Tony needed to be prepared to distance himself. If he couldn’t, there was only one option. That option may have been viable two years ago, but it wasn’t something Tony would entertain now. Claire’s accident had been too traumatic. He refused to consider her enduring anything worse; nevertheless, the groundwork had been laid for the option of public disgrace.
From Tony’s perspective, the decision was hers. The only way that Claire would be publicly disgraced was if she failed the test he was about to present. If she passed, the time period of her sentence would pass and life would go on. Taking a stiff drink of Johnnie Walker Scotch, Tony reassured himself that Claire would pass. She’d been presented with the option of freedom once, the night he proposed, and she willingly surrendered her liberties to him. Standing near the highboy, Tony poured himself another two fingers—maybe three—of scotch when he heard his office door open.
“Anton, it’s late. Why are you still up?”
He didn’t turn around; instead, he glanced at his watch—2:14 AM. He had no idea it was that late. “I’m thinking.”
“Where’s Claire?” Catherine asked.
“Bed.” He spun around. “Where would you expect her to be at this hour?”
“She’s in your suite, isn’t she? You left her alone in there?”
“What’s the matter, Catherine? No videos for you tonight?”
Catherine shook her head and sat on the leather sofa. “Anton, you’re upset. Are you worried?”
He lifted one finger in her direction and went to his desk. After a few moments and a few codes, he stood and faced his oldest colleague. “No, I’m not worried. I have total confidence in my wife. Tomorrow night you and I’ll be discussing how she followed my rules, once again.”
“I believe you’re right. So, why are you doing this?” Her shoulders sagged. “Why are you forcing her to jump through another hoop?” With more determination, she stood and faced him. “Claire loves you and you love her. Let that be enough. There are other Nichols who can pay. Look what you’ve done to John.” Her eyes glistened. “Oh, Anton, that was brilliant.”
Tony exhaled and collapsed on the chair near the sofa. “That had its own perks, but it was also a step of this test. Don’t you understand? Now John can’t help her—so much for his proclamation of undying devotion. He and Emily are a little busy at the moment.”
“I do! I understand, and the Simmonses? They’re still out of the country. Right?”
He studied Catherine’s expression. “Right. Why would that matter? They’re my friends. Brent works for me.”
“Oh, you’re right. It’s just that I believe Claire and Mrs. Simmons have become very close.”
Tony shrugged. “I don’t know. Claire complains about how much Courtney talks.” A small grin emerged. “Now, if that’s not the pot—”
“Anton, I see how you have this all planned. Nathaniel would be so proud. And you’re so brave! You’re willing to take the poison?”
His dark eyes darted from his near empty glass to Catherine’s questioning gaze. “I am. I don’t think it’ll be necessary, but if she takes the bait and drives away, I’ll drink it.” He swallowed the remaining contents of his tumbler. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”
Catherine nodded. “It’s not like I can practice on anyone, but yes. I’m confident you’ll go unconscious and nothing more.”
“As in, I won’t die? Go ahead and say it, Marie. I’ve momentarily turned off the surveillance to the whole damn house. The whole system’s doing a reboot. No one will ever hear what we’re saying.”
“Anton, I don’t want to talk about you dying—that’s not going to happen. As you’ve said, you probably won’t even need to drink the coffee. But, if you do—”
“If I do, I’ll live to see the repercussions of Claire’s decision.”
Catherine nodded. “What about witnesses?”
“I have a web conference I’m doing from home tomorrow. If she gets in the car, I’ll be live in front of people all over the country.”
Catherine reached out and covered Tony’s hand. “If you’re sure you need to do this, I’ll help you. Just like I’ve helped in the past and how you’ve helped me. I won’t let anything happen to you. We’re too close to seeing the fulfillment of our goals.” She clapped her hands under her chin. “Just think—the end is so near. Only Emily will be left.”
Tony straightened his shoulders and sat taller. “Remember that—only Emily. Claire will be done. Nothing else is necessary; her name is off the list.”
“Yes, of course. That’s what you’d said, but if she doesn’t take the bait?”
His voice deepened. “Then her name is off the list. If she’s presented with a clear line to freedom and doesn’t take it. No! When she’s presented with this avenue and doesn’t take it, it’ll prove that Claire Nichols is gone.” He felt his eyes darken as he emphasized his final point, spacing each word. “Claire. Rawlings. Was. Never. On. Our. List.”
Catherine stood. “Yes, of course. Now, how much longer until the cameras turn back on? I’ll get things set in the kitchen.”
Tony glanced at his watch. “You have about ten minutes.”
Walking toward the door, she said, “I’ll have it ready.”
Looking into his empty tumbler, Tony’s mind filled with images of him and his wife. They were memories of private times, times of comfort and companionship. He’d never had a person in his life before. He’d never wanted to be near someone or please someone. He had to know that, no matter what, he could trust this person. Why, oh why had that person been Claire? Of all of the people in the world, why did it have to be one of the people he’d promised to bring down?
Closing his eyes, Tony remembered Claire after her accident. He had brought her down, but in true Claire fashion, she rebounded. That strength and resilience amazed him. If she failed this impending examination, would she rebound?
He didn’t want to think about it; instead, he imagined their future. Claire would pass. She wouldn’t take the bait.
Feeling a bit more confident, Tony walked back to his desk and searched travel sites. Claire enjoyed travel. She didn’t know that she was facing a life-changing test, but when she passed, he wanted to reward her. Maybe England? They’d talked about that. No, it was January. The United Kingdom would be cold. A grin surfaced as he thought about her likes and dislikes—she liked sun. He entered tropical beaches into the search engine. Tony would take her someplace warm. If she asked why, he’d say it was because she was upset about her brother-in-law; however, he’d know the real reason: it was her positive consequence.