Be who you are and say what you fee
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind.
– Dr. Seuss
Chapter 21
When Claire looked into Harry’s tired, sad eyes, her anxiety melted into relief. She flung her arms flung around his neck and buried her face into his chest. She’d never expected to be so concerned, but she was. Her muffled words flowed without hesitation, “I just got your text. I was so worried. I was going to find you; to be sure you were okay.”
Slowly his arms encircled her frame and his chin settled upon her head. “I am.”
She led him into the apartment and offered him something to drink. He asked for water then changed his mind to wine. She attentively tended to his needs, as he explained what transpired.
“I would’ve been here sooner, but just as I was about to leave SiJo, we had multiple false alarms. I have no idea what was happening. We had sensors indicating people where there were no people. Sensors ignoring people where there were people.” He rolled his shoulders in an attempt to release his pent-up stress and continued, “I know it’s a computer glitch. I probably could’ve figured it out, but honestly, I wanted to get here. So, I left Jackson to deal with it and headed home.” He emptied his glass of wine. Claire refilled it and returned it to his hand. After a few sips he continued.
“You know, usually Palo Alto is quiet and calm.” Claire nodded. She didn’t have a clue how Palo Alto was usually, but in her short time it fit the description -- calm. He went on, “I was almost home, on Hamilton, when this car pulled out of a parking space. It was like some kind of movie, happening fast, yet in slow motion.” He finished the wine, placed the glass on the nearby table, and took Claire’s hands. “I don’t mean to sound vain, but if it wasn’t for my quick reactions, I think I would’ve been the one placed in that ambulance.” He squeezed Claire’s hands as she remained silent, “Honestly, I wasn’t paying attention. I was thinking about you and our talk. When everything happened, I just reacted.”
Claire wanted to know about that talk, but he needed to discuss the accident.
“Before I knew it, this car pulled out of a parking space, heading the other direction, and then this taxi came up on my right. There wasn’t really a lane. He must have been in a hurry.” Harry closed his eyes and watched his private recall. Finally he spoke, “The car in front of me swerved, I hit the brakes, and the taxi moved into my spot. Suddenly, the car from the parking spot went into the oncoming lane and collided head on with the taxi. The driver of the car from the parking space was a young girl, only sixteen. I don’t know if she hit the gas instead of the brake.” He shook his head solemnly, “We’ll never know.”
Claire took a drink of her wine, definitely not a sip. She thought about Harry’s words, if it wasn’t for my quick reaction.... She’d experienced too many questionable situations to believe in coincidence. Finally she asked, “How is the taxi driver?”
“Distraught and injured, but not life threatening. He was on his way to a fare; so he didn’t have a passenger.” Claire kissed Harry’s cheek and asked if he wanted more wine or if perhaps he was ready for some dinner. When he nodded, she led him by the hand into the kitchen.
He looked around at the set table and pans on the stove top. “I’m sorry, I messed up your dinner. It smells wonderful.”
She smiled a wary smile, “I don’t think my dinner’s as important as you. You’re okay, that’s what matters.” She squeezed his hand. “Why don’t you pour us some more wine and start your salad. I’ll warm up this food. It’ll be fine.”
He continued to talk about the accident as Claire warmed the fish in the microwave and heated the sauce on the stove. Next, she refilled the sauce pan for the asparagus. As the faucet gushed water she heard Harry’s voice, but her mind filled with other words -- Tony asking, “Who was the expected recipient of that dazzling smile?”
Tears came to her eyes as the realization struck. Her presence wasn’t making Amber and Harry’s life more exciting; she was putting them in danger.
The memories of her parents and Simon’s untimely deaths paralyzed her movements. Water overflowed the pan as she stood motionless staring at the tiled backsplash. It wasn’t the mosaic design holding her trance; it was her new thoughts about Amber. She’s flying home tomorrow from meetings in Houston. Simon died in a plane crash. Claire’s heart began to beat erratically.
Harry appeared behind her. So deep in her sudden rational or irrational terror, she didn’t hear him approach. She jumped as he grasped her shoulders. As if from a tunnel she heard his voice, echoing against the cavern walls, or maybe he was repeating himself, “Claire are you all right? Claire, Claire are you all right?”
Her grip on the handle of the pan failed. The metal pot fell to the depths of the sink as water droplets splashed violently coating the tile, granite, and porcelain. Her body trembled as she tried to speak, “It’s me. I have to leave. We need to call Amber.”
“What’s you? What are you talking about?” Harry tried to calm her; however, she barely heard his words through the commotion within her head.
Finally in desperation she screamed, “Call Amber, now!”
Still unsure of the reason for Claire’s sudden outburst, he turned off the water, reached for his phone and led Claire’s unsteady body to the table. Harry dialed his sister. Once the connection was established, he handed Claire the phone.
Her words ran together as she tried to explain everything to Amber. Claire told her about Harry’s accident, about Tony’s visit, and about her fear. Harry listened to every word. When she spoke about Tony visiting the condominium, Claire saw his neck stiffen and jaw clench. She pushed on.
Amber listened to what some might consider a mad rant. As Claire finished, her voice slowed, reflecting her utter exhaustion. She listened to Amber’s steady voice of reason as tears slipped from her downcast eyes. Her fatigue wasn’t physical; she’d slept until after five. It was psychological. All of the research was well and good. She could plan and possibly implement a great demise. However, none of that mattered, if her friends were lost in battle.
Only after Amber promised a thorough inspection of the SiJo plane prior to departure, did Claire hand Harry back his phone. Harry spoke to his sister for a few moments, hung up, and reached for Claire.
She wanted his embrace, his comfort and support. Nevertheless, she knew if she took what he offered, she’d in fact be condemning him. Resolving to keep him safe, she stiffly returned his embrace. With her head safely against his chest the trembling ceased. She started to speak, but Harry spoke first.
“I want to hear more about that visit. Why did he come here?”
“I was going to tell you about it and other things I learned...” She pulled from his hold and reached for the water goblet. It shook as she tried to make it reach her lips. “I just haven’t had a chance.” Her voice sounded stronger than she appeared.
Harry watched as Claire regrouped. He saw a mixture of emotions passing like clouds before her emerald eyes. Once again, he put his arm around her shoulders, “How about we eat some of this delicious food and then talk?”