Truth

Nathaniel wondered what Samuel would do if he knew about the Switzerland investments. That information was only shared by Nathaniel, his wife, and his grandson. The monies needed to be routinely moved. The relocation of his investments kept curious individuals from discovering the actual administrator. He didn’t physically move the money, but at least twice a year he took a trip to Geneva and reallocated the funds. Throughout the years his nest egg grew. With his inability to travel, Anton was now his proxy.

Nathaniel encouraged Anton’s communication with his parents. Family had always been important. Just because he couldn’t stand the sight of his son, it didn’t mean Anton should lose everyone. When Nathaniel spoke to his grandson, he could tell Anton’s respect for his father had lessened. And despite his current location, Nathaniel felt Anton’s growing respect for him. Nathaniel believed his investments were in safe hands with his grandson. Anton would never tell his father and disappoint his grandfather.

Nathaniel dreamt night and day of leaving the minimum security prison. That being said, Nathaniel Rawls wasn’t a dreamer. He fought in WWII, clawed his way up the textile business, and worked day and night to provide excessively for his family. He understood the possibility he may not walk out of this facility.

There were threats. There were people who wanted what was rumored to be Nathaniel’s. Others believed by hurting Nathaniel Rawls, they’d learn the truth about his supposed hidden millions.

Therefore, not only did he trust Anton with the knowledge regarding his monies, Nathaniel also trusted Anton with watching over Marie and her daughter. Anton’s resources were limited. Yet, if something happened to Nathaniel, his resources would grow exponentially. The money in Switzerland would be jointly owned by both Marie and Anton.

When Anton brought Nathaniel the information on Sherman Nichols, AKA Cole Mathews, and Jonathon Burke, Nathaniel knew he could trust his grandson with the name and location of Marie’s child. She was safe and living with a loving set of parents. Nathaniel hoped one day Marie would want to know more. From what he’d learned, Marie should be proud of the young girl. Though only eight, she appeared the perfect mixture of obedience and precociousness. Looking at her biological mother, why wouldn’t she be? They even had the same eyes.

“Have you had any recent problems with Samuel or Amanda?”

Marie lowered her lids momentarily and exhaled. Although, obviously not her favorite subject, Marie answered, “I haven’t heard from them this week. I did speak to Anton about Samuel’s appeal to have our marriage voided.”

“That is ridiculous. He can’t do that. Our union is legal.”

“Samuel has appealed to the State of New York to find our marriage void, based on your mental capacity.”

Their hands disconnected. Nathaniel abruptly stood. His metal chair groaned with the sudden movement screeching across the linoleum floor. “My mental capacity!” His face reddened with exasperation. “My mental capacity -- he’s saying I’m crazy?”

Marie’s lips tightened. She didn’t like seeing Nathaniel this upset. He had other concerns. Nevertheless, she relished his like-mindedness regarding Samuel. She’d endured too many congenial family gatherings. When Nathaniel got out of this prison, they’d be able to live without the daily intrusion of her son-in-law. “He claims your business actions confirm previous mental instability. And the stress from the trial and now your incarceration have worked together to diminish your ability to make sound decisions.”

“Then get a god-damned doctor in here. I’ll do their tests – I’ll prove to the fucking world I’m sane.”

Marie stood. Resolutely she walked toward her husband. His eyes burned with intense darkness; yet, she showed no fear. “He hasn’t been granted the right to sue -- yet. Hopefully it will never get that far, and the courts won’t allow him to challenge our marriage at all.”

Her words pacified him. His eyes softened and the creases between his eyebrows mellowed. She reached again for his hands. What she wanted more than anything was to feel his arms around her and to be swallowed by his strong embrace. The prison had rules regarding contact. If they didn’t abide by the rules, Nathaniel’s visiting privileges would be denied.

Marie longed to have the man before her resume his control of the world. That power combined with his private tenderness attracted her. The man she loved was unquestionably an enigma. Under no condition was he insane.

Nathaniel stroked Marie’s cheek. “Mrs. Rawls, I will not let that happen. You are a mighty and remarkable woman. No one will take your name away.”

“Mighty?”

“Yes, mighty –defined as having superior power. Your strength in the face of adversity continually amazes me. I’m awed by your constitution.” He kissed the top of her hand. “You are mighty remarkable, Mrs. Rawls.”

Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction

that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense,

regardless of how it turns out.

- Vaclav Havel

Chapter 41

Courtney eagerly relayed the conversation. She couldn’t wait to tell Claire everything Tony said. His excuse for visiting was to personally discuss the press release. Courtney promised she and Brent did their best to appear astonished and shocked by his change in attitude.

Brent reminded Tony about his threatened civil suit. Courtney even cried remembering her visit to the jail and inability to help. She said Tony claimed his outlook changed after seeing and speaking with Claire in person. He claimed his earlier anger was a form of self-preservation. He didn’t want to admit having feelings for the woman he’d been led to believe attempted to kill him. He told his friends he wasn’t sure where this reconnection was headed, but he hoped for full reunification.