Behind His Eyes: Truth

Tony couldn’t talk to Catherine about his dream, and he sure as hell couldn’t talk to anyone else. While running mile after mile on his treadmill, he attempted to decipher its meaning. He hadn’t failed his grandfather. Tony’s whole life proved that he’d succeeded. Anthony Rawlings was wealthier and more influential than Nathaniel Rawls had ever been. Rawlings Industries was legitimate in all of its dealings. It would never face the public scrutiny that Rawls Corporation had endured. He’d listened to Nathaniel’s advice and kept up appearances, and he’d stayed true to his word. How could he have failed?

Tony’s eyes darkened and his jaw clenched with the memories. He couldn’t recall having a more vivid dream. He’d felt the damn chair, heard the fluorescent light and the voices, tasted his shame at his grandfather’s words, yet, intellectually, Tony knew that it wasn’t real. As they neared Des Moines, Tony pushed the dream away and concentrated on the present. How could Bosley pardon Claire? If the man weren’t dying of cancer, Tony would make sure that his career was over—Anthony Rawlings was capable of making and breaking people. Then, there was Jane Allyson. It wasn’t good for his thoughts to linger on her for too long. Tony wanted someone to blame—a head on a platter, so to speak. That counsel had been a thorn in his side ever since he laid eyes on her at Claire’s pre-examination at the Iowa City courthouse. Since he would be meeting with Esquire Allyson in a matter of minutes, Tony needed to remain calm.

Of course, the blame could also be shared by his ex-wife. When it came to thoughts resulting in rage, Claire wasn’t immune; she never was. There was something about her—something that ignited him like no one else. His entire body stirred with an energy he fought to control. Despite the negativity, for the first time in a long time, he felt alive.

Tony didn’t want to admit it, but along with the anger and disappointment, he was concerned—maybe that was part of his dream? Was Claire all right? How was she living? Was she destitute? Those thoughts would temporarily derail the anger until he’d remember that this—all of this—was all her fault. She left him. Now she’d done it again. How could she be so stupid? He would find her. Then, he would—he didn’t know, but he knew he would find her.

A driver waited at the Des Moines private airport to whisk Tony and Brent to Ms. Allyson’s downtown office. Once they were inside the car, Tony asked, “What about travel? Could she have left the country? I still have her passport.”

“Roach doesn’t believe that she could get a passport this fast. Homeland Security would never allow her to leave the country without one. Well, he said they would never allow her to reenter the country without one; leaving is a possibility.”

Tony shrugged. “Has anyone spoken to Bosley?”

“No. He’s undergoing chemotherapy. According to his assistant, the cancer has metastasized to his bones. The treatment is extremely taxing, and he’s not available for comment.”

“I want to know why in the hell he signed that pardon. I supported his campaign. He was at my wedding!” Each statement became more emphatic. With the last comment, he realized, it was her wedding, too. “I want to know every name associated with this injustice.”

Brent nodded. “We’ll have more answers soon.”

When they arrived to Ms. Allyson’s office, a little before 10:00 AM, Quinn immediately called her boss. “Ms. Allyson, Mr. Rawlings is here, accompanied by his attorney, Mr. Simmons.” After a moment, she smiled and said, “Please, follow me gentlemen, Ms. Allyson will see you now.”

Claire’s former attorney met them at her office door and ushered them inside. “Hello, Mr. Rawlings, Mr. Simmons, please have a seat.”

Tony and Brent sat opposite her desk.

Before they could speak, she said, “Now gentlemen, to what do I owe this honor?”

Brent spoke first. “It has just recently come to my client’s attention that on March 8th you filed a petition with then Governor Bosley, requesting a pardon for Claire Nichols.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“My client would like to know why this was filed, on what grounds, and who approached you to make this request.”

“Gentlemen, Ms. Nichols was never convicted of a crime. She pled no contest. That was not an admission of guilt. She’s had an impeccable record during incarceration…”

Her words faded into the all-encompassing red. Tony didn’t give a damn for Ms. Allyson’s legal drivel. When she paused, he asked, “Why was I not notified?”

“Why would you need to be notified?”

He wanted to slap the smug expression from her face. “For my safety. She tried to kill me!”

“Have you been threatened since her release?”

“No.” Tony bristled. “I just learned of her release last night.”

“It appears as though you needn’t be concerned. She’s had two weeks to finish what you claim she started, and it seems that you’re still with us.”

Mentally, Tony gripped the arms of the chair. The words flowing through his head wouldn’t be beneficial to the conversation. Perhaps Brent sensed Tony’s demeanor, since he continued the inquiry. “Do you know where Ms. Nichols relocated? For my client’s safety, he should be informed.”

“I do not. As I’m sure you’re aware, with a pardon, the criminal record is expunged. Ms. Nichols does not owe the court a thing. She is free to go wherever she chooses. Furthermore, she is not required to keep the court or the state of Iowa informed of her whereabouts. I took her to the airport and left her at the gate. There is nothing more I can tell you.”