Truth

Harry’s voice trailed away as voices in the hall became loud and angry. Claire heard John’s rising above the fray, “You are not welcome here. I can’t believe you would have the nerve to show your face after all you’ve done.”

“I want to see her.”

Claire’s heart leapt -- Tony. “Oh, it’s Tony!” She couldn’t hide the happiness from her voice or expression while simultaneously seeing the pain in Harry’s. “Didn’t you say his call is what got you to me in time?” Harry nodded. “Then don’t you think he should be able to see I’m all right?”

“I don’t think in your condition you need to be upset by him.”

Claire closed her eyes as tears slid down her cheeks, “Please, Harry, before he and John exchange blows.”

Begrudgingly, Harry rose from the side of her bed and walked toward the voices. When he opened the door, the harsh words came even clearer to Claire. She heard Harry above the others, “John, stop. Claire wants to see Mr. Rawlings.”

Emily’s voice prevailed, “I haven’t even seen her yet. She’s my sister.”

“Claire wants to see him now.”

“Thank you, Mr. Baldwin.”

Although Claire heard restraint in Tony’s words, the deep baritone voice filled her with relief. Tears trickled from her eyes as she turned toward the door frame and saw her two men. She remained silent as Tony offer his hand to Harry and the two men shook. It was then she noticed Tony’s wrinkled shirt and slacks, his unkempt hair and evidence of a three day beard. Harry looked as equally unkempt; it was just not as unusual to see him in that condition. They both walked into the room. Though she tried, she couldn’t read Tony’s expression. She watched as he took in her appearance and slowly approached her bed. She wasn’t sure how she looked, but suspected by his darkening eyes and protruding neck muscles, it wasn’t good.

The silence turned deafening as Tony’s presence overtook the small hospital room. Claire turned to see Harry watching Tony suspiciously. She suddenly feared he would try to stop Tony’s progress. Breaking the tension Claire spoke to Harry, “Please give us a moment alone.” She saw his indecision. “Harry, I promise I’ll be fine.” Her words broke Tony’s trance.

“Mr. Baldwin, I will only stay as long as Claire allows.”

Claire exhaled at Tony’s manners. She knew he was speaking as the social Anthony, not from his soul. Nevertheless, his charisma prevailed and Harry approached Claire. When he bent to kiss her, she pleaded with her eyes. Instead of continuing his descent, he squeezed her hand. The sad realization in his eyes broke her heart. He said, “I’m right on the other side of that door.”

“Thank you,” she feigned a smile, “for everything.”

After a prolonged stare at Claire and again at Tony, Harry exited the room. As he did, Claire heard the protests of her family. She didn’t care.

She looked up to the man looming above her, gloom emanating from every pore. His expression should terrify her; it was probably the reason Harry didn’t want to leave, but she wasn’t afraid. Tears of relief flowed as she reached for him and said, “I’m so glad you’re here.”

He took her hand, “The last time I saw you like this...”

“I’m all right.”

“If that son-of-a-bitch weren’t dead, I’d kill him myself.”

By the sound of Tony’s voice, Claire didn’t doubt the accuracy. “Tony, we are both okay.”

His eyes opened wide and his shoulders relaxed, “I haven’t been able to get any specific information. I just assumed...”

“The doctor was just here. She said our baby is fine.”

Moisture filled his eyes as he pulled away and paced near the end of her bed. Finally he spoke, “Claire, just like your accident, this is my fault, too.” She shook her head but he continued. “I don’t know how Chester found you or knew of our connection. I don’t even know how he knew me. I knew him when I was Anton.” He moved closer and started to reach for her chin, but stopped. “And now look what he’s done.”

Claire squeezed his large hand and lifted it to her face, “Thank you for coming. I feel so much better having you here.”

As her face inclined to his touch, Tony’s forehead fell to her chest and he sighed with relief. “I knew my presence wouldn’t be welcome. I’ve been waiting on another floor for word of your waking.”

That’s why he wasn’t here -- Claire thought as her lips turned upward and said, “Yes, I heard your welcoming committee.”

He looked into her eyes and his voice hardened, “When you’re well enough to travel, you’re coming home where you’ll be safe and where Catherine can take care of you.”

She narrowed her eyes, “That didn’t sound like a question.”

His eyes narrowed in response, “It shouldn’t. I would hate to mislead you; it wasn’t.”

Claire exhaled, “Chester is dead, no more danger.”

He leaned toward her, “Are you seriously going to argue about this, covered in bruises and carrying my baby?”

He was close; she raised her chin and kissed his pursed lips. “Not right now,” she smiled. “Let me get some rest and get a little stronger and then I will.” She watched his eyes soften as a smile caused his cheeks to rise.

“Good,” he kissed her again. “I look forward to it.” He squeezed her hand. “We don’t know if Patrick Chester was working alone. Until we find out and find your laptop, this isn’t negotiable.”