Aleatha Romig - Behind His Eyes

It had worked before. It would work again.

Damage control - Two days later - January 2012

(Consequences - Chapter 49)

Reputation is rarely proportioned to virtue.

—Saint Francis de Sales

“Mr. Rawlings, Mr. Evergreen is calling.” Patricia’s voice came through the speaker.

Tony turned away from the computer screen. “I’ll take it.”

“Yes, sir, I’ll send it through.”

It had been two days since Tony had visited the courthouse, two days since he’d given Claire the gift of an out. He knew she was upset at the time, but he had faith that her better judgment would eventually prevail. This was the first he’d heard from the prosecutor since that afternoon.

“Marcus, I assume you have some good news for me.”

Marcus Evergreen cleared his throat. “Um, not exactly, Mr. Rawlings.”

Tony’s grip tightened on the receiver, yet his tone remained affable. “Would you like to be more specific?”

“Can you come to my office?”

Tony contemplated his schedule. He’d already wasted too much of his time on this whole mess. “I just returned back to my work, and things are backed up. Are you sure this can’t be handled over the phone or by email?”

“Well, I think … see … I believe it would be in your best interest—”

“Marcus, spit it out. Time is money.”

“Mr. Rawlings, j-just moments ago, I received Paul Task’s preliminary brief. I haven’t had a chance to read the entire document. It’s quite long, but I’ve read enough—”

Tony interrupted, “Tell me that she’s taking my offer.”

“That’s the thing, sir. She isn’t. She’s made allegations …” Marcus continued to speak, but his words faded into the buzz of seeping crimson. “… why I thought you might prefer if I didn’t email this?”

“Marcus, I told you she was crazy. This is ridiculous!”

“Do you want me to email—”

“No! I don’t want you to email or show it to another soul! I’ll be there in less than thirty minutes.” Tony hung up the phone before Marcus could respond.

Tony contemplated his response to whatever was in Claire’s statement. As soon as Tony hung up with Marcus, he called for Eric. When he learned that Eric was at the estate, Patricia willingly offered her car. The entire drive, Tony’s mind was on Claire. What had she said? Would she really divulge private information? His leather gloves strained from the grip on the poor car’s steering wheel. He wouldn’t allow this information to go public. Hell, he didn’t even want his attorneys to be involved. Tony debated his options.

Taking a deep breath he entered the prosecutor’s office. It bustled with people—men and women in suits coming and going all different directions. Mr. Evergreen’s secretary, a young blonde woman with a nameplate that read Kirstin, stood at the ready. As soon as she saw Mr. Rawlings, she immediately escorted him to the unimpressive office. Marcus stood as Tony entered, and the two momentarily stared in silence. The frightened young lady took one last look at the two men and backed out quietly, shutting the door and allowing them their privacy.

Once alone, Marcus offered his hand and began somewhat sheepishly, “Thank you for hurrying over. I realize you have a very busy schedule.”

Tony shook the prosecutor’s hand and stared intently. “Tell me, who else has seen this testimony?”

“It isn’t really testimony. It wasn’t said under oath.” Marcus shook his head as he walked around his desk and motioned to a small table. “Please, have a seat. No one on my team has seen it. Only me.”

“On your team?” Tony asked, as he laid his overcoat on one chair and sat.

“Paul Task and Jane Allyson obviously took Mrs. Rawlings’ statement,” Marcus replied. “I don’t know who prepared the document.”

“Find out.”

Marcus nodded. “Mr. Rawlings, there’re some serious allegations. Legally this should be forwarded to—”

Tony sat back against the chair and squared his shoulders. “If you planned to do that, you wouldn’t have called me.”

“It’s just,” the prosecutor began, “I don’t want the mad ravings of an angry spouse to bring down the reputation of such an esteemed man, such as yourself.”

“Thank you, Marcus. I appreciate your candor and your discretion.”

“Would you like to read what she’s said?” Marcus asked as he booted up his laptop.

Tony shook his head. “No … to be honest, I wouldn’t. It saddens me. I can’t imagine what she’s said, but it must be something terrible for you to have been this concerned.”

“It isn’t flattering,” Marcus admitted.

“I don’t want this made public.” Tony’s tone was not up for debate. “I don’t want anyone to know that the woman I married has become delusional and irrational.” Tony leaned forward. “I’m sure you’ve seen the media coverage. Let’s not add to the frenzy.”

“I totally understand. If only she’d have taken your offer—”

“Obviously,” Tony said, “another sign of her mental incompetency. I want you to do whatever it takes to keep this out of a courtroom.”

Marcus nodded. “Sir, some of these allegations seemed very farfetched. May I ask if your wife had access to others?”

Tony’s brows came together. “What kind of a question is that? This’s 2012—everyone has access to everyone.”

“Cell phone? Email?”

Tony nodded. “Yes,” he sounded puzzled, “doesn’t everyone?”

“May I have her number and email address?”

“Yes, of course. Whatever you need, I’ll be glad to provide. I’m sure you can find many things just by searching the media. They do seem to like to write about my wife’s latest purchases … or … hair color.” Tony looked down.

“Mr. Rawlings, I apologize. I’m sure this is extremely difficult. It’s that, we’ll be meeting with Mrs. Rawlings and her attorneys in the morning. The more prepared I am for this preexamination, the better chance we have of stopping this from going to full trial.”

Tony took a deep breath; his ribs ached. He reached for his side, and said, “I suppose this’ll get worse before it gets better.”

“I’ll be in touch. I promise to keep you up-to-date.”

Tony stood, his dark eyes downcast before settling on the prosecutor. “Marcus, I promise that you’ll not regret this. I know you won’t disappoint me, and I won’t disappoint you. The state of Iowa has excellent opportunities. I believe there are great prospects in your future.”

Marcus’s shoulders went back. “Thank you, Mr. Rawlings. I’m truly saddened by this string of events. I’ll keep the casualty list as short as possible.”

“Tony,” Tony said. “Please, you’ve been to my wedding and by my side as it all fell apart. Please, call me Tony.”

“Thank you, Tony. I’ll also let you know the full list of who’s seen this information and promise to keep that list manageable.”

Tony put out his hand. “I don’t doubt your abilities. That’s why I believe you have true possibilities for great aspirations. Both of our futures will be much brighter. I look forward to hearing from you.”

Tony gathered his overcoat and stepped from Marcus’ office, confident of the containment of Claire’s disobedience. Fine! She didn’t want to take his offer. Tony wouldn’t be derailed by a Nichols! Let her rot in a damn prison. Let her experience the consequences of her decision—at least Tony would know where she was. One day her little reprieve would be over, and she’d be free—from the state of Iowa, that was, but never from him.