Beyond the Consequences (Book 5 of the Consequences Series)(12)

“Hmm, I like this,” Tony cooed, as he kissed Claire’s lips.

“This?”

“This… quiet.”

Claire nodded. “Yes, me too. Emily was asking me how I liked having so many people around all the time.”

Tony’s back straightened. “It’s really none of her business.”

Claire feigned a grin. She knew that for her sake and the sake of their families, her husband and sister were trying to get along. Most of the time, they succeeded; however, once in a while…

Tony’s tone hardened. “We’re not getting rid—”

“No, we’re not,” Claire interrupted. “I told her that often we don’t even realize they’re there. I mean, like now. It isn’t like they hover.” She touched his arm. “I’m truly all right with it. Eric and Phil are part of our family. I’m sure that one day Taylor will be like that, too.” She smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine.”

“Are you still comfortable with going to New York?” Tony asked.

Nodding, Claire answered, “I am. This will be Nichol’s first time in the city. I think that while you’re working, we’ll go to the museums. She’ll like the Museum of Natural History, and she’s already excited about the play.”

“As long as you have Phil and Taylor with you, go wherever you want.”

“Right now I want to go take a warm bath.” With a sly grin, Claire asked, “Should I ask Phil or Taylor to join me?”

Tony’s finger touched her lips. “Oh, Mrs. Rawlings, it’s been what, two or three hours since I’ve heard that beautiful smart mouth of yours?”

“Well, you’re the one who keeps emphasizing their presence. I just thought—”

His lips silenced hers as the temperature of the entry hall rose exponentially, and he swallowed her in his embrace. After a lingering kiss, Tony whispered, “Perhaps we could take this discussion upstairs? You, my dear, are excessively overdressed for a bath.”

“You are so right. Let me go get Phil—”

Taking her hand, Tony led her to the stairs. “We don’t need him.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek. “I think I’ve got this.”

“If you’re up for the job, I guess you’ll do,” Claire said jokingly.

With a devilish grin, he replied, “Not yet, but I’m sure that can be arranged.”





LATER THAT NIGHT, while in their suite, Claire settled into bed and reached for her Kindle. Not finding it, she realized she’d left her reader in their home office. Donning a robe, she slipped down the dimmed, quiet hallway. Unable to pass their daughter’s door, Claire reached for the door handle.

With the opening of the door, the light from the hall spilled onto the carpet of Nichol’s lavender room. The golden rays illuminated allowing Claire to peer beyond the light and see her daughter sleeping soundly on the large canopy bed with her doll on the pillow beside her. Tiptoeing to her daughter’s side, Claire’s smile grew, just being near her filled Claire’s world with peace. It was obvious the ice skating had worn their daughter out. With her lips parted and eyes shut, she was lost in a dream world and oblivious to her mother’s presence. Since they were leaving early in the morning for New York, Claire was glad that Nichol was already asleep. After a gentle kiss to Nichol’s head, Claire made her way back toward the hallway, quietly closed Nichol’s door, and eased down the back staircase toward their office. As she neared, she heard Tony’s booming voice.

“…I don’t care where they go, one of you needs to be with them at all times.”

“Yes, Mr. Rawlings. They won’t be alone.”

Though she couldn’t see, Claire recognized Taylor’s voice as the person who’d responded.

“The last two mailings have had a connection to New York. If Claire weren’t so damned determined not to allow this person to interrupt our lives, I’d insist that they stay home,” Tony continued.

“With two of us,” Phil began, “we’ll keep them safe. One of us will be right with them and the other will stay back, watching the crowds. I’ll keep Eric constantly updated. You’ll know where they are at all times.”

Claire stepped into the office, clad in her nightgown and bathrobe. “Don’t mind me,” she interrupted. “I feel like the president, overhearing his Secret Service agents. I wish you wouldn’t all make such a big fuss out of this.” She looked at Tony. “And you. I’ll be honest. Your tone…” She pursed her lips. “…is a little intimidating. Give poor Taylor a break. You know they’ll do their best.”

Claire smiled in Taylor and Phil’s direction.

Tony’s eyes darkened. “Claire, my assistant bought the tickets for the play over a month ago. I didn’t think about it at the time, but that’s a red flag. We might as well have taken out a sign on Times Square and announced our arrival.”

Finding her Kindle, Claire picked it up and walked toward Tony. Trying to lighten the conversation, she replied, “Wouldn’t Nichol think that was special? Her name in lights on Times Square!”

“Claire,” Phil warned, his gaze mimicking Tony’s. “This is serious. Think about Patrick Chester—”