Consequences(219)

“I think afternoons like this are the best medicine.”

Courtney agreed laughter would help—so they laughed. They walked in shops—read funny cards and plaques—and had fun.

When Claire returned to the estate that night, she felt lighter. She tried with all her might to continue the feeling into her home and her suite. The fact Tony tried to help, wasn’t lost on Claire. He immediately showed her an e-mail from Emily and volunteered, “She wants you to call early—before John gets home. I think you should call before dinner.”

Together, they went to Tony’s office and Claire tried again—she’d been trying to reach Emily since the first of November. It had been nearly two weeks. This time Emily answered on the first ring. “Hello?”

Talking on the speaker phone, Claire replied, “Hi, Emily, it’s Claire. We’ve been worried. Is everything all right?”

“I don’t think so. I asked you to call early so I could talk before John came home.”

“I was out with Courtney today. I called as soon as I got your e-mail.” That was all true.

“John isn’t home yet. Is Anthony there?”

Claire hesitated, should she lie or be truthful? “He is. Do you want to talk to him?”

“I don’t know, maybe he can help.” Tony looked at Claire and raised his eyebrows.

Claire offered, “I could put you on speaker phone—so he can hear too.”

Emily said that would be a good idea. Tony pushed a button to create an audible change and said hello. When Emily said hello, they heard her voice crack.

Claire enquired, “Emily, what’s wrong?”

“You know the deadline for partnership decisions was the first?” Claire said she did, Tony acknowledged her audibly too. “Well, it’s been extended,” Emily added.

Claire broke in—always the optimist, “So, that’s not necessarily bad, they’re still undecided.”

“But now the auditor, the person verifying all the accounting information, is questioning John—a lot. John has been asked to verify everything. He’s rummaging through old records and spending hour after hour documenting and authenticating his previous work”—Claire and Tony were engaged in concerned eye contact.

Tony responded first, “Emily, I’m sure it’s some kind of formality—John works for a very prestigious firm. They just want every T crossed and every I dotted.”

“Anthony, I hope you’re right”—they could hear her sniffles—“He pretends to be unconcerned, but I can tell that isn’t the case.”

Claire offered, “He’s probably sick of the controlling procedure and stress”—she could relate—trying to rationalize and validate every move you make can become tiresome.

“I believe he’s offended. Claire, you know John. He’d never do anything that wasn’t completely honest and honorable.”


Claire debated her response. She feared adding to John’s fan club. Nevertheless, before she could formulate her answer, Tony replied, “We did our research prior to offering John a job. I know he’s one of the most honest and honorable attorneys anywhere.”

Claire scanned her husband’s expression. She only saw sincerity. She added, “I second that—Em. It’ll be okay. Let them scrutinize John’s records, there’s nothing dishonest or deceitful to discover.”

“Thank you—really—both of you. John didn’t want me telling you. That’s why I haven’t answered your calls, but I really wanted you to know.”