“Remember…” Brent reminded him, “…they didn’t balk when the state dropped the false imprisonment charges against you and charged Catherine.”
Changing the subject, Tony said, “After this meeting, I plan to get Nichol. I’ve hired a nanny and have a nursery at my temporary apartment ready, as well as a room for the nanny.”
“Yes, I think that should show the court that you’re capable and willing.”
“Hell, yes, I’m willing and I’m more than capable. I can take care of her myself, but I thought with everything pending, the nanny would be a good idea.”
“Well, if things go the way we hope, she’ll come home with you today.” Looking away from his notes, Brent asked, “When will the repairs be done on your home? I haven’t seen it since they started.”
“A couple more weeks. The fire damage was mostly limited to the first floor of the southwest corridor. However, the water and smoke damage was more widespread. Everything has to be cleaned. That smell of smoke is difficult to remove.”
“I read the fire investigator’s report. The fire originated in Catherine’s suite. She’s not talking. Do you have any idea what she was trying to accomplish?”
“The woman’s crazy. According to the fire chief, there were remnants of melted electronics and plastic in her fireplace. Claire told me that the reason she left last fall and started running was because Catherine produced her laptop, the one taken before her attack by Chester. It pisses me off that I had everyone searching for that damn laptop and it was in my house the whole time. Catherine told Claire that it was my way of tricking her into returning to Iowa.”
Brent listened as the car moved in slow bursts, indicating they were nearing their destination.
“I hate that she believed her,” Tony admitted, “but I also understand. Claire was frightened for Nichol. Truthfully, I had no idea what had happened to it.” Tony sighed. “I think she successfully used that laptop against both of us. Showing it to Claire scared her. Not knowing its whereabouts had me on edge.”
“Do you think she was burning evidence? Do you think she knew everything was caving in around her?”
“I think she burnt the laptop. I have no idea what she was thinking. I’d say she knew I was no longer falling for her bullshit.”
“Why start the house on fire?”
Tony shrugged. “The investigators weren’t certain if it was intentional or if she forgot to open the flue. They said that electronics aren’t the most combustible material: she probably threw other things in the fireplace to get the fire going quickly. Based on some evidence, they’re presuming bed linens. It would make a lot of smoke. The fact that the fire spread may have been accidental—or not.”
“They’re waiting on more definitive evidence before they charge Catherine with Sophia’s death. It’ll most likely be manslaughter.”
Tony’s head slowly moved from side to side. “As much as I want to see her spend the rest of her life in prison, I can’t believe Catherine intended to kill her own daughter.”
“This whole thing gets more twisted every day,” Brent replied. Refocusing on the tablet in his hand, he returned them to their task at hand. “Judge Temple will ask you some questions. The purpose of this meeting is to talk with you, and assess the need for the order. The Vandersols claimed that due to your past history, you’re a threat to Claire and to Nichol.”
Tony’s lips made a straight line as he fought to remain silent. There’s no way he’d ever hurt Nichol: it wasn’t even plausible. He’d never hurt Claire again. But with that damn book out, he couldn’t deny the past.
Brent continued, “No matter what he says or what he asks, don’t get upset. Jane will also ask you questions. I guarantee she wants you to lose it.”
Tony turned his dark gaze on his friend. Anthony Rawlings didn’t need lessons on public appearances. He was the master. Before he could comment, Brent continued, “I’m saying that because if I were her, that’s what I’d want. I’d want to provoke you. I know that you know not to do it, but I also know that you have triggers. Expect those to be exploited.”
“I’ll watch it,” he conceded as he reflected on the past few weeks. With every passing second, he missed paradise—not the location but the bond. Lamenting the loss of what he, Claire, and Nichol shared on that tiny island wouldn’t bring it back. Besides, Anthony Rawlings wasn’t a watcher: he was a doer. He’d do whatever was necessary and swore that he’d never give up. If playing nice with the Vandersols, Judge Temple, or even the devil himself was what Tony needed to do to get even a sliver of paradise back, he’d do it.
Returning to Iowa City had been both pure hell and a resemblance of normal. The hell part was obvious. The return to his previous normal came after the meeting with Evergreen. Everyone had rehearsed his part, even Eric. Tony didn’t want anyone other than himself to be held responsible for the actions at the estate. He also didn’t want anyone else charged with aiding and abetting; however, they all agreed that Eric’s involvement wouldn’t trigger red flags. At the time of the incident, he was employed by the estate. By virtue of Tony’s will, Catherine assumed the role of executor of the estate so, in essence, she’d become Eric’s employer.
Working with the estate’s security had always been a component of Eric’s job. As Tony’s driver and pilot, his presence was for more than transportation. He was Tony’s first line of protection. Once Tony became missing, Eric assumed that role for Ms. London. Reviewing the surveillance video was an acceptable component of his job. Who would be more likely to find the evidence that could potentially implicate Catherine as well as exonerate Tony?