Consequences(217)

They did.

Throughout the memorial, Tony held Claire’s hand. Later when she tried, she couldn’t remember the service. Between Mrs. Johnson’s words and memories of her parents’ funeral, her energy went to appearing composed—fighting the pounding in her head—and not fainting.

On the flight home, Claire thought about Mrs. Johnson’s words—Simon aspired to be Tony. She thought about her assessment of Tony—he ruined lives with his business decisions—he wanted complete control over everyone and everything—and he could be incredibly cruel. She wondered if perhaps there wasn’t more to her husband; maybe there was a part of him she hadn’t been seeing. If Simon aspired to be Tony—maybe there was something to aspire to.

With her head on his lap, she looked up at his face and recognized his expression—she knew he had thoughts in a million different places. She watched his strong jaw—clench and unclench—his dark brown eyes—furrowed brow—and perfectly combed hair—

Perhaps Tony helped lives—too. After all, Mrs. Johnson believed he did. Maybe Claire needed a different perspective. Grandma Nichols once said, “Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees.” Could she be too close? She knew Tony—intimately knew his flaws. Was he a different man from a distance? The voices in her head debated—other people thought that Tony was a kind, wonderful, and generous—a benevolent businessman. Claire knew he was capable of being loving, tender, sensual, and lavish. She also knew a side of him that didn’t fit either description. Looking up, she saw her husband absently staring into space, as he continued to stroke her blonde hair. Claire appreciated his efforts over the last few days—he was trying. She exhaled deeply and closed her eyes.

*

Tony remembered Claire’s expression during the funeral—so overwhelmed with grief—the kind of emotion that was only visible with the loss of someone you dearly loved. Of course, she had lost two someones.

In his mind, he saw the church overflowing with people. Even though Officer Jordon Nichols’ death had not been in the line of duty—he received full police honors. There were uniformed police everywhere. Apparently, Shirley Nichols was also well loved and had many bereaved friends and students. Blending into the crowd wasn’t difficult. Now as Tony stroked Claire’s silky hair, he realized that was the day his plan had taken a turn. Originally, he had different designs—but watching Claire flanked by her sister—Tony knew he needed to know her; actually—reminiscing—he knew, before then, that he didn’t want anyone else knowing her.


The internship was an easy ploy to rid her of Simon. Watching the sadness from Claire and Simon Johnson’s family, there was a part of Tony which hated what happened, but it was Simon’s fault. He should have just left Claire alone—but no. His actions in Chicago resulted in the consequences today in Madison.

Tony beheld his wife’s sleeping face on his leg. That day—so many years ago—she’d been all alone. Today, he did what he wanted to do then—it was him—not Emily and—not John. Claire needed him. This wasn’t an occasion for smiles, but knowing she was asleep—he grinned.

*

As they landed in Iowa, Tony gently woke his wife. It was only 6:00 PM, but the sky was dark and spitting snow. They hurried from the plane to the warm waiting car. Once they were within the warm confines of the BMW, Tony asked Claire a question, “Where would you like to go for our anniversary?”

Obediently, she replied, “Some place sunny and warm.” The desire she didn’t say aloud was—alone.