“Did you have anyone to talk to in prison?”
“There was a counselor, actually a psychiatrist. Her name was Dr. Warner. She took an interest in me. We met three times a week. At first I didn’t say much. It’s just hard to know who you can trust. But, over time I said a lot.”
“But, no other prisoners?”
Claire shook her head, “No. Once people found out who I was married to... well they’d be... not nice.” Looking down into her lap, she explained, “I never felt like I acted better than anyone else. I mean, I was a prisoner there just like everyone else. But, apparently they thought I did.” Claire inhaled deeply, “It was just easier to stay by myself.”
Talking to Courtney was so easy; it had always been.
Courtney scooted closer and squeezed her friend’s hand. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you while you were there,” then in a quieter voice, “or, to keep you out of there.”
“I really understand.” Claire smiled at Courtney’s sad blue eyes, “But you did do something. When your letters started to arrive, I can’t tell you how much they meant to me!”
“I’m so glad. And I’m sure our entire correspondence went under the radar. Believe me, if Tony knew, Brent would’ve heard.”
Fighting her emotions, Claire said, “I know it was a big risk. Thank you.”
“So, you’re convinced it wasn’t Tony, the money, I mean?”
“Yes. Well, you helped convince me. You sent me a text saying how upset he was when he learned about my release. I mean, if he’d sent the money and letter to Jane, he’d have already known. I know it wasn’t in the papers, which is just another of the amazing miracles, but I know Tony. If he’d spent $100,000, he would’ve followed up to learn if it paid off.”
“I think you’re right.”
“And... when he called me, he said he’d just learned of my release. No, I don’t think it was him.”
“Any other ideas?” Courtney asked.
“No, not really, but whoever did it, took quite a risk. Not just with Tony, but also with Governor Bosley. That isn’t all; Jane could’ve refused to file the petition. There were a lot of pieces of a puzzle that needed to fall into place.” Claire sipped her wine and settled against the soft sofa cushions, “I don’t know who my angel is or how it all worked; I’m just thankful it did.”
“I can’t believe Jane Allyson gave you the money. Was that your angel’s request?”
“I don’t think so. I think it was supposed to be her payment for filing the petition. I tried to refuse the check, but she said it was a ridiculous amount of money for such a small amount of work. Apparently, the petition was complete except for her signature. All she did was sign and walk it to the governor’s office.” Claire took another drink. “I don’t mean all-- obviously that’s a lot. But, she told me to consider it seed money to start my new life and pay her an appropriate fee. I could hardly refuse. I really believed I had nothing.”
Courtney’s eyes glistened. “You did have something, didn’t you?”
“I did.” Claire answered slyly. “It was actually Emily’s idea. I hadn’t considered selling my jewelry and had no idea of its value.”
“Do you miss it?”
“No! – Oh,” Claire played with the rim of her wine glass, “I answered that too quickly. As you know, I haven’t worn any of it for over a year. The rings were beautiful and when I received them, I loved them. Wedding rings are supposed to be a symbol of a feeling. Without the feeling, they’re just metal and stones.” A little more empathically, “I always disliked the journey necklace.”
“Really? It was lovely and you wore it often.”
“Yes, I did.” Claire allowed the rim of her glass to loiter on her lips, less than a subtle hint she’d said all she was saying on the subject.
“And, the earrings?”
“They were beautiful too. Tony gave them to me for my birthday, right after that party we all attended. Remember, at Eli and MaryAnn’s?”
Courtney knew, from the copy of the preliminary brief Brent obtained, what happened in California. She knew when Tony and Claire were alone on that trip he’d physically abused her. Claire didn’t know she knew. Courtney planned to share that during this visit, however, now didn’t feel right. “I remember the party. Afterwards, the two of you went to Yosemite, right?”
“Yes.” Claire’s expression lightened as her lips turned upward and her eyes began to sparkle. “I’ve considered buying myself some diamond studs. Everyone needs a nice pair, don’t you think?”
Courtney smiled, seeing her friend’s pride, discussing her ability to do as she pleased. “Well, yes! Everyone needs a nice pair of diamond studs!” Courtney agreed.
Courtney also talked about Tim and Sue. Their baby, Sean, just turned one! She showed Claire a picture on her phone from his first birthday party.
“I can’t believe their son is actually one. I’ve missed so much.”
“Honey,” Courtney’s voice reflected her look of concern, “there’re some people who truly believe you tried to kill him.”
Claire looked down into her glass. “I assumed.”
“Just so you know, I’m not one.”
“Brent?”
“No. He doesn’t believe it either. Let’s just say, we have a different perspective than most.”
Claire reached out and grabbed Courtney’s hand. Her green eyes glistened as tears teetering on the rims. “Thank you, for believing in me. I know I can’t prove it. But just knowing there’re people who believe me and support me; it means the world.”
They cried and laughed. They chatted, laughed some more, and cried some more. When the sun rose they were both exhausted. Sleepily they stood at the railing and watched the dark sky fill with light as a red hue spilled across the Gulf of Mexico. Eventually, the red became orange, brightening the sky until the black became blue. They both agreed; sleep was in order.
So many memories of their friendship filled Claire’s mind as she settled into the queen sized bed. Instantaneously, sleep overtook her.
Unbelievably, she didn’t stir until after 1 PM. Looking at the clock, she couldn’t believe the time. Walking into the empty living room she found a note:
Hi Honey – I’m at the pool. There’s coffee in the pot. Before you come join me, please look at some papers on the kitchen table. I hoped it would be easier for you to read this without me looking over your shoulder. Brent accidently received this information via Marcus Evergreen. He never should’ve had it, read it, or shared it with me. There’d probably be stiff legal ramifications if it were discovered. Of course, Tony doesn’t know we have it or read it. Those ramifications don’t need to be said, we all know they’d be stiff. Please know we love you and believe every word. I hope you’ll come down and talk to me when you’re finished.
Love – Cort
Although, only about seven yards from the living room to the kitchen, Claire’s feet suddenly weighed a ton apiece; with each step, her goal seemed farther away. She could see the binder thick with pages. At one time, before she married Tony, he showed her the article written by Meredith Banks, and another time, he had the news release of Simon’s death. Both of those experiences came rushing back. Claire wasn’t sure what the binder held. Somehow, she knew, it wasn’t good.