Consequences(236)

Paul spoke first, “Claire, you don’t have to do this, but if you don’t, it’ll look like you’re not interested in the taxpayers”—she wasn’t—“It isn’t just that. The fact he’s willing to talk to you—the person accused of his attempted murder—makes him appear honorable and forgiving. If you refuse…” Claire listened, but her mind whirled. She believed Tony knew she wasn’t guilty. Maybe he wanted to take her home, drop the charges, and forget the whole thing. If she left with him today—she would be out of that cell—she’d be home!

Jane touched Claire’s arm, and Claire turned to her co-council’s concerned expression. “Claire, I think it’s completely up to you. Everything Paul said is true, but none of it matters. You started to shake when he walked in the room. If you want, Paul and I”—she looked at Paul, who didn’t appear as strong as Jane—“or just me—would be willing to stay in here with you.”

Claire found her voice. “That isn’t what he said. He wants to talk to me alone.”

“Claire, what he wants isn’t the issue”—her voice was strong and supportive—“What do you want?”

She looked into Jane’s eyes. “I want this to be over—I didn’t do it.” Jane didn’t speak, but lifted her brows. Claire straightened her back, stiffened her neck, and lifted her chin. “I want to talk to him.”

Paul said he would get Mr. Rawlings. Jane leaned close. “Do you want me to stay?” Claire exhaled, she had kept his secrets, she hadn’t told people what she went through, and she needed him to know that.

“No, I want to talk to him alone.”

Jane smiled and squeezed Claire’s arm. “It’ll be all right. Just know, you must discuss any deal with us before it can be initiated. We’ll be right outside the door.”

Claire said she understood and suddenly thought about her appearance. Her defense counsel exited as Tony entered. They nodded to one another. Tony shut the door and turned to Claire. She watched as he walked to the table. He looked handsome, fit, and healthy. Relief filled her soul, seeing that the murder attempt hadn’t caused him harm.

“Tony, I’m so glad you are all right.” She reached across the table. He took her petite hands in his. Claire continued, “You know I would never hurt you?” His eyes showed only the smallest amount of brown.

“It certainly appears you did.” She shook her head and felt tears. He continued, “You handed me the coffee. There was poison in the coffee.”

“You told me to get you coffee. I’ve thought about it a million times. There must have been poison in the coffee already—or in the cream. I just don’t know.” She felt his stare as she continued to speak, “I don’t know who would do this. The only other people at home were staff—staff you’ve employed for years, but it should be on surveillance. You have cameras in the kitchen—”

He interrupted, “All evidence points to you. Then, there’s the way you ran to the car and drove away.”

She lowered her eyes; she had disobeyed him. She knew not to drive. “I’m sorry.” The tears teetered on her lower lids. “It was impulsive. I knew not to take one of the cars, but I saw the keys—I hadn’t had the opportunity in so long—the sky was so blue—and you’d been—well—life had been unpredictable. I felt like I was suffocating and just needed a reprieve—a small break. Honestly, Tony, I was about to turn around to come home. I want to be home—I want to be with you.”