Beyond the Consequences (Book 5 of the Consequences Series)(9)

Her brow wrinkled. “Why were they different and what kind of birthday gift?”

“We don’t know. The gift was a doll. I didn’t think much of it until I saw the one you gave her for Christmas. It looked very similar, very much like Nichol herself.”

“I had that one made by a private company.”

Phil nodded. “We’ve traced this one. It’s a cheaper version, made by a company that takes online and mail orders. They advertise in magazines all over the world. The person who placed the order used your name and address. The credit card was a refillable card purchased in New York with cash.”

Claire had researched some of the less expensive doll-makers. Even they required a picture. Through the years, Emily and John, and more recently, Tony and Claire, had done their best to keep Nichol’s picture out of the public eye. “That still means they know what Nichol looks like, that they have her picture.” Phil’s words continued to process in her mind. “New York?” Claire asked. “Where in New York?”

“New York City.”

“We’re planning on taking Nichol there next month. We have tickets to see The Lion King.”

“New York City is huge and filled with millions of people. Between Eric, me, and the rest of the security detail, no one will come near you or Nichol. Don’t even concern yourself.”

Standing taller, Claire assessed the situation. “Thank you.”

“I haven’t done anything.”

Her green eyes shimmered. “You know that isn’t true. You’ve done a lot, and I believe you’re not done. I told Tony that I loved the feeling of security on the island. That’s true. But in reality, it isn’t just the island. It’s him, it’s you, it’s Eric, and it’s everyone. We’re truly blessed to have so many people who sincerely care about our well-being. Whatever you need, ever, it’s yours.”

Phil nodded. “I need to look at your mail.”

As Claire was about to leave the office, she asked, “Would you like some coffee? I was sincere when I said that we need to catch up. Things have been wild with the trip to the island.”

“Maybe another time,” Phil said. “I want to go through the mail, get out of your way, and go have a few words with the person who delivered today’s mail to you before letting me see it. I think it would be better if I get to him before Rawlings.”

Her smile broadened. “See, that’s another reason why I trust you. You’re always a step ahead.”





LATER THAT NIGHT, Claire glared at her husband as they made their way into their private suite.

“You know, you’re not nearly as good at hiding your anger as you used to be,” Tony said with a devilish grin.

“Well, maybe it’s because I’m not trying to hide it.”

“I’ve been home for hours. We’ve had dinner with Nichol and had a snowball fight in the backyard. I have no idea what you’re upset about.” He cocked his head to the side. “It’s that you lost the snowball fight, isn’t it?”

Claire put her hands on her hips. “No. It isn’t about the snowball fight. Besides, I didn’t lose. It isn’t even what you’ve done. It’s what you didn’t do.” She stood taller. “We promised to be honest. You haven’t been honest.”

Tony’s brows knit together. “I believe I’m at a disadvantage in this conversation. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Think, Tony. Did something happen while we were in paradise that you forgot to mention?”

It didn’t take Tony long until he muttered under his breath, “Damn Roach.”

“No, don’t blame him. It’s you who dropped the ball. Phil thought I already knew. He said that you said you’d tell me.” Her volume rose. “Nichol is my daughter too. Tell me, Tony. Tell me why I didn’t know about her birthday card and gift from the psycho person?”

He collapsed onto the soft leather sofa in front of the fireplace. The newfound tension in their suite was a completely different atmosphere than the one only the night before. “I was going to tell you, but the time was never right.”

She paced the open space. “I agree. There’s never a good time to say, ‘Oh, by the way, the psycho lunatic who’s sending you cards and packages is now addressing them to our daughter.’ Nevertheless, just say it.”

Tony reached for Claire’s hand and tugged her toward him. “It was her birthday, Christmas, and as you may recall, we were almost constantly surrounded by people—lots of people.” He pulled his wife down onto his lap.

“No, Tony.” She stiffened as he held her near. “I’m mad at you. I don’t want you to change the subject. I want you to be totally open with me. If you’re not… Well, I don’t know.”

His arms wrapped around her as she yielded her position and settled against his chest. The rhythmic breathing and steady heartbeat against her back served as a constant drumming that relaxed her nerves and calmed her anxiety. His lips brushed her neck. “I’m being honest. I was going to say something. The time just wasn’t right. We need more time like this, more time alone.”

Claire turned in his embrace. She wanted to see his emotions: she needed to know he took this as seriously as she. “The doll, it was one of those twin ones. Tony, before I ordered Nichol’s, I looked at all the different companies. They all require pictures. This person had a picture of Nichol. If she didn’t, she couldn’t have had the doll made.”