Inferno Anthology (233 page)

While the car wound up the driveway Emily speechlessly watched as the estate came into view. The house glowed from the decorations for Christmas and the grand event. Carlos stopped in front of the house where a grounds worker busily cleared the walk for Ms. Claire and her guest. When Emily reached for her door handle, Claire touched her hand causing Emily to hesitate. Moments later, Carlos got out and went around and opened their door and then opened the door to the house.

Once inside, Catherine greeted them. Claire happily introduced two of her favorite people. She hoped Emily could sense the exceptional relationship she had with Catherine. Catherine informed them, “Ladies your dinner can be ready at any time. Mr. Rawlings is delayed due to weather; however, he recommended that you eat without him.”

Claire thanked Catherine and told her she would show Emily to her room, let her freshen up, and they would return in fifteen minutes.

Emily and John were given a room down the hall from Claire’s suite. It was a room with one of the doors Claire was surprised to see many months ago. These bedrooms were rarely used by anyone and kept immaculate just in case they may be needed. It was a suite about half the size of Claire’s, with a queen-sized bed, bedroom furniture, a sofa and chair, a small gas fireplace, attached bath, and walk-in closet. There were large windows looking out onto the backyard; however, all that was visible now was the top of a very large tent.

Claire showed Emily her room and told her Carlos would have her luggage there soon. Then she showed Emily to her own suite, just a few doors away, in the same corridor. Emily tried to be polite, but she continually repeated
this is beautiful
. Once in Claire’s suite, Emily asked, “Is this Anthony’s room, too?”

“No. He has his own room on the first floor.” Claire smiled. “But, he does visit.” She sensed Emily’s surprise. The fact she and Tony didn’t share a bedroom had just earned Tony a few points in Emily’s book.

As they finished eating their dinner in the formal dining room, Tony arrived home. He behaved as polite and gracious as possible: kissing Claire and hugging Emily. He told Emily how happy he was she arrived safely in spite of the weather. Luckily, the snow was scheduled to stop tomorrow and the forecast was clear for the weekend. Then he turned to Claire. “But, you know those weather reports: you can never trust those meteorologists.” She playfully threw her napkin at him and he smiled. When he sat, Catherine brought him his dinner. The ladies sipped coffee while Tony ate.

After dinner Tony offered to take the lead on a house tour. Secretly, Claire was delighted. She’d been concerned about the magnitude of a tour. It was much easier to defer to Tony. As they walked from room to room and level to level, Emily told them how much she loved their home and jokingly asked if maps were available at the guest relations desk. Tony and Claire laughed, saying it wasn’t that big. She’d know her way around in no time.

Tony added, “It did seem to take Claire a few weeks before she found her way around.”

Understandably, his statement caught Claire by surprise; however, he didn’t notice Claire’s response. He was busy watching for Emily’s reaction. Her obvious lack of understanding satisfied his unasked questions.

Her mask secure, Claire said, “Well, I finally learned the secret. Everything is connected to the main house, and if you need anything just ask.”

Her response received a twinkling eyed grin from her fiancé.

Emily retired after the tour and promised to be more fun tomorrow. After a day of work, travel, and the magnitude of her surroundings, she was exhausted.

Claire hugged her sister. “Oh Emily, we’re so happy you’re here.”

It wasn’t long after Claire readied for bed that Tony joined her. Claire couldn’t help but inquire, “Explain that comment, please.”

Tony laughed. “My dear, I was just checking your reflexes.”

“Well, you nearly caused whiplash.”

Grinning he remarked, “Perhaps there are other reflexes we could investigate?”

JOHN’S HEARING ADJOURNED
at 12:00 PM on Friday. He offered to fly commercial, but the earliest he would make Iowa City would be after 10:00 PM. Tony graciously provided a Rawlings Industries jet which allowed him to arrive in Iowa City by 3:30 PM. Although, Emily prepared him for the house and its amenities, he repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Tony and Claire for the flight and told them their home was stunning.

Truly, it was a beehive of activity with people everywhere making last-minute adjustments and preparing for the event. There were even people in the kitchen beginning to prepare the food, and the tent had been transformed into a picturesque banquet hall.

Claire and Emily readied themselves for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Tony had accepted Courtney’s kind invitation and agreed the rehearsal dinner could be held at the Simmons’. The rehearsal was scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM, with dinner at 8:00 PM. It was late, but everyone needed to get to the Rawlings home after a long day of work. The intimate guest list for the rehearsal included the minister, musicians, Brad, Monica, Patricia and a guest, the Vandersols, the Simmons’ and their children, the Millers, the Bronsons, Elijah Summer, and MaryAnn Combs. Of course, these guests would be at the wedding tomorrow, but this informal private gathering would allow them more relaxed friendly conversation than would be possible at the big event.

Everyone congregated in the grand hall by 6:15 PM. Obviously, this group of friends respected Tony’s affection for punctuality. Since Tony wanted to make an entrance with his fiancée, Claire waited for him in her suite. When he arrived, he greeted her and said, “Ms. Nichols, you’re stunning this evening.” Just before entering the hall, he beamed and whispered, “Tomorrow at this time you’ll be Mrs. Anthony Rawlings.”

She kissed her fiancé and smiled. “I can’t wait.”

There was a brief discussion by the head of security about some issues for the wedding. In an attempt to limit pictures all cell phones, iPods, iPads, cameras, and any recording equipment: visual or audio, would be confiscated at the door and returned upon leaving the ceremony. The only recording of the wedding would be done by the hired photographer and cinematographer. Those photos would be reviewed by Shelly prior to release; however, as Tony and Claire’s personal friends, the head of security asked everyone present to be observant. If they noticed any prohibited recording, please notify security personnel immediately. They would be everywhere. Claire felt like she was back stage at a rock concert.

The minister took a few minutes to discuss the important meaning of marriage and its significance. “Many people enter into marriage in this day and age without the understanding of eternity. When two individuals are joined in the sight of God, those two become one. They are one for eternity.”

Claire turned to Tony. She was in awe. How did she end up in the grand foyer of Anthony Rawlings’s estate, holding his hand, looking into his chocolate eyes, and listening to a minister talk about their marriage?

The minister continued, “After speaking with Anthony and Claire, I believe they are fully aware of the commitment which they are about to make, a commitment to God, to friends, to family, and to one another. So to you, the intimate group of friends who Anthony and Claire have chosen to share in their special day please join me in a prayer. Let us ask God to provide for Anthony and Claire, not in a monetary way. Let us pray that God will provide them with love, understanding, and patience. That He’ll provide each of them with the qualities necessary to take what they begin tomorrow and continue it into eternity. Let us pray.” Claire closed her eyes, Tony tenderly squeezed her hand, and a tear trickled down her cheek.

Brad and Monica then took control. They told Claire, John, and Emily to go upstairs. Tony, Brent, and the minister went to Tony’s office. The string quartet began to play. Brad and Monica wore earphones and microphones and directed the participants. First, they instructed the men to leave the office and walk to the back of the grand hall. A raised platform surrounded by sleek Christmas trees and lights had been constructed in front of the large windows. The only decorations on the trees, besides the white lights, were deep red crystal globes. The windows behind the platform exposed snow covered trees with more lights. The quartet was positioned slightly off to one side of the platform and the harpist was on the other. Once the men were in place, Emily was directed to descend the stairs and make her way down the aisle to the platform. After she arrived at her destination, the quartet concluded and the harpist began the traditional wedding march. Although it was the rehearsal, Claire and Tony’s friends rose to their feet and Brad motioned to Claire and John to descend the steps.

John offered Claire his arm, kissed her cheek, and began to take her down the stairs. Before they reached the first step he stopped, leaned near, and whispered, “Claire, we love you. We only want you to be happy. Tell me he’s good to you, and that he makes you happy.”

With tears in her eyes, she said, “John, he can be.” She remembered her mask. “He does.”

John tried to smile and patted her hand. They descended the stairs and made their way to the platform. After another song by the string quartet and a verse from the minister, the minister asked, “Who gives this woman to be wed?”

John spoke loud and clear. “With great love and respect, her sister and I agree to share this magnificent woman.” He kissed Claire’s cheek and gently lifted her hand from his arm and placed it in Tony’s hand.

Shit,
was the only word that came to Claire’s mind. She looked up at Tony. He was looking at her, but his face didn’t register John’s words. Apparently, he had a mask too. Claire was certain if Tony were a cartoon character there would be smoke coming from his ears. She mouthed,
I’m sorry
. He squeezed her hand gently, and they both smiled. The minister continued speaking.

They all four rode together in the limousine to Courtney and Brent’s house. Claire explained to Emily that in the late morning there would be a masseuse, manicure technician, cosmetologist, and hair stylist all coming to do miracles on them. Catherine and Courtney would be in Claire’s suite to assist them both with their dresses.

Tony upheld appearances much more proficiently than John. He remained polite and friendly to both Emily and John and was loving and attentive to Claire. Once they reached the Simmons’ house, Tony was the totally devoted bridegroom and the man of the hour. John was friendly, but quiet. His unhappiness made Claire uneasy, and she privately begged Emily to do something. “Don’t let him ruin my special day.”

Emily promised to try.

Courtney provided a wonderfully delicious Italian dinner with antipasto salad, bread and oil, red wine and pasta. The festive mood and atmosphere filled Claire with hope and joy. Tim and Sue were chatting with Tony, as Claire walked up and overheard them discuss Tim’s role during Claire and Tony’s honeymoon. At first, she stood politely by Tony, but when they paused, Claire tried to be sneaky. “Now, Tim, tell me again how long you’ll need to be at the helm?”

Tony laughed and pulled her close. “Good try.” Then addressing Tim, he continued, “You’re one of the few privileged individuals to know where we’ll be, in case of an emergency. Most people, including my beautiful new wife, do not know our destination. So, don’t let her try to worm it out of you.” He smiled. “…or you, Sue, if Tim has shared.”

“Oh, you’re so mean.” Claire feigned a pout. “How will I know what to pack?”

“Another ‘A’ for effort. Catherine has taken care of it for you.” Claire smiled at the Bronsons. They smiled and put their fingers to their lips. They wouldn’t spoil Tony’s surprise.

The dinner party began to wind down about 10:30 PM, at which time the gentlemen announced it was time to celebrate Tony’s last night of freedom. They headed to the lower level for cognac, cigars, and some serious poker. Brent announced Tony should be prepared to lose more than his freedom. He’d be losing some serious money during their tournament. “Ladies do not wait up.”

It was MaryAnn who replied, “Don’t worry about us. We’re doing our own celebrating back at Claire’s house. My driver’s ready, and Catherine has martinis waiting at the indoor pool and hot tub.”

Tony and Claire kissed good night and were told they couldn’t see each other again until the ceremony. While getting their coats, Emily whispered to Claire, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. You really do have a life and wonderful friends.” Claire hugged her sister.

The ladies all went back to the estate, put on bathing suits, and partied in the hot tub. Claire decided Courtney and MaryAnn were teenagers in adult bodies. Tony worried so much about appearances, yet watching these two reputable women dance and sing in their bathing suits, Claire believed a little
cutting loose
was acceptable. Just because she believed it, didn’t mean she felt comfortable enough to do it. The reason her bachelorette party was at
her
house wasn’t lost on her. She didn’t want Tony watching her dance and sing inappropriately when he reviewed his surveillance. Claire enjoyed watching and sipped her drink.