“You, sir, are not getting rid of me that easily.” She gently removed one of her hands from his hold and placed it on top of his. “I love you, and I plan on spending much more time with you. If the next nine months are in this room at an hour a week, then so be it. But after that Mr. Rawls, I get you all to myself.”
“But Marie, you deserve...”
She interrupted, “I think you’ve made me realize I deserve to be loved. And you are the man to do it.”
Nathaniel grinned in spite of himself. Marie’s radiating beauty left him speechless. It wasn’t just the external attributes of Catherine Marie Rawls, but her spirit and kindness. The only time he saw that spirit change was with the mention of his son. Nevertheless, the subject needed to be breached. She was his only source of information. Anton visited occasionally. However, now in graduate school and working, Anton’s time was limited.
The idea of Anton supporting himself through graduate school infuriated Nathaniel. This entire mess was ridiculous. The damn FBI should have better things to do, real criminals to find, instead of attacking a man for living the American dream. Truthfully, Nathaniel still had money, a good amount of money. However, accessing it and bringing it back to the United States was too risky.
Since the court seized his home, company, and other assets, he was thankful he’d provided Marie with a comfortable investment portfolio. If they’d been married when he was convicted, she would’ve lost that too. But, because they weren’t, it remained hers.
When he got out of this hell hole, Nathaniel intended to give Marie a real wedding, maybe somewhere on a beach. The justice of the peace, in this visitor’s room with Anton as witness, was legal and memorable. However, it wasn’t the kind of memory Nathaniel wanted Marie to have of her wedding. If she’d said yes the first twenty-five times he asked, their wedding would have been nicer. Then again, she wouldn’t have the financial resolve. It wasn’t like she had a fortune, but she could live comfortably.
Neither Samuel nor Amanda visited Nathaniel, ever. After Anton informed Nathaniel of Samuel’s testimony, Nathaniel honestly didn’t care if he ever laid eyes on his son again. What upset Nathaniel was his son and daughter-in-law’s constant intrusion into Marie’s life. Since Samuel was part owner and a top executive at Rawls Corporation, his assets too were seized. Despite Samuel’s cooperation, he and Amanda were left with nothing. Somehow in Samuel’s mind, he felt he deserved what Marie now claimed as hers.
Nathaniel wondered what Samuel would do if he knew about the Switzerland investments. That information was only shared by Nathaniel, his wife, and his grandson. The monies needed to be routinely moved. The relocation of his investments kept curious individuals from discovering the actual administrator. He didn’t physically move the money, but at least twice a year he took a trip to Geneva and reallocated the funds. Throughout the years his nest egg grew. With his inability to travel, Anton was now his proxy.
Nathaniel encouraged Anton’s communication with his parents. Family had always been important. Just because he couldn’t stand the sight of his son, it didn’t mean Anton should lose everyone. When Nathaniel spoke to his grandson, he could tell Anton’s respect for his father had lessened. And despite his current location, Nathaniel felt Anton’s growing respect for him. Nathaniel believed his investments were in safe hands with his grandson. Anton would never tell his father and disappoint his grandfather.
Nathaniel dreamt night and day of leaving the minimum security prison. That being said, Nathaniel Rawls wasn’t a dreamer. He fought in WWII, clawed his way up the textile business, and worked day and night to provide excessively for his family. He understood the possibility he may not walk out of this facility.
There were threats. There were people who wanted what was rumored to be Nathaniel’s. Others believed by hurting Nathaniel Rawls, they’d learn the truth about his supposed hidden millions.
Therefore, not only did he trust Anton with the knowledge regarding his monies, Nathaniel also trusted Anton with watching over Marie and her daughter. Anton’s resources were limited. Yet, if something happened to Nathaniel, his resources would grow exponentially. The money in Switzerland would be jointly owned by both Marie and Anton.
When Anton brought Nathaniel the information on Sherman Nichols, AKA Cole Mathews, and Jonathon Burke, Nathaniel knew he could trust his grandson with the name and location of Marie’s child. She was safe and living with a loving set of parents. Nathaniel hoped one day Marie would want to know more. From what he’d learned, Marie should be proud of the young girl. Though only eight, she appeared the perfect mixture of obedience and precociousness. Looking at her biological mother, why wouldn’t she be? They even had the same eyes.
“Have you had any recent problems with Samuel or Amanda?”
Marie lowered her lids momentarily and exhaled. Although, obviously not her favorite subject, Marie answered, “I haven’t heard from them this week. I did speak to Anton about Samuel’s appeal to have our marriage voided.”
“That is ridiculous. He can’t do that. Our union is legal.”
“Samuel has appealed to the State of New York to find our marriage void, based on your mental capacity.”
Their hands disconnected. Nathaniel abruptly stood. His metal chair groaned with the sudden movement screeching across the linoleum floor. “My mental capacity!” His face reddened with exasperation. “My mental capacity -- he’s saying I’m crazy?”
Marie’s lips tightened. She didn’t like seeing Nathaniel this upset. He had other concerns. Nevertheless, she relished his like-mindedness regarding Samuel. She’d endured too many congenial family gatherings. When Nathaniel got out of this prison, they’d be able to live without the daily intrusion of her son-in-law. “He claims your business actions confirm previous mental instability. And the stress from the trial and now your incarceration have worked together to diminish your ability to make sound decisions.”
“Then get a god-damned doctor in here. I’ll do their tests – I’ll prove to the fucking world I’m sane.”
Marie stood. Resolutely she walked toward her husband. His eyes burned with intense darkness; yet, she showed no fear. “He hasn’t been granted the right to sue -- yet. Hopefully it will never get that far, and the courts won’t allow him to challenge our marriage at all.”
Her words pacified him. His eyes softened and the creases between his eyebrows mellowed. She reached again for his hands. What she wanted more than anything was to feel his arms around her and to be swallowed by his strong embrace. The prison had rules regarding contact. If they didn’t abide by the rules, Nathaniel’s visiting privileges would be denied.
Marie longed to have the man before her resume his control of the world. That power combined with his private tenderness attracted her. The man she loved was unquestionably an enigma. Under no condition was he insane.
Nathaniel stroked Marie’s cheek. “Mrs. Rawls, I will not let that happen. You are a mighty and remarkable woman. No one will take your name away.”
“Mighty?”
“Yes, mighty –defined as having superior power. Your strength in the face of adversity continually amazes me. I’m awed by your constitution.” He kissed the top of her hand. “You are mighty remarkable, Mrs. Rawls.”