Truth (5 page)

Listening to Amber’s
steady tone helped Claire regain her composure. “Oh, I think that
makes sense. It was just when the security officer said
private plane
, I
immediately thought someone else sent it.”

“
No wonder you freaked.
I’m glad I was able to reach you. A SiJo Gaming jet will be there
soon. Why don’t you stay with security until it arrives? In no
time, you’ll be out here.”

When Claire handed the telephone back to
airport security, the nice man offered to get her something to eat
or drink. Sipping coffee and fighting feverishly to mend her frayed
nerves, she thought about Amber’s reasoning. It was the same reason
Jane concealed her activities from everyone. Presumably, the reason
Governor Bosley chose to withhold her name from the press.

The security guard at the
Iowa airport walked Claire to the tarmac where small commercial and
private planes boarded and unboarded. She’d never been there
before. Tony kept his plane and other Rawlings Industries planes at
a small private airport outside of Iowa City. The plane Amber sent
had large blue and green letters advertising
SiJo Gaming
, the company started by
Simon Johnson. Seeing the insignia reminded Claire of Simon’s large
blue eyes. A twinge of sadness seeped into her frazzled emotions as
she pictured the man she saw only once since the end of their
freshman year of college.

While flying across country, Claire tried to
fathom her recent change of events. She was truly stunned by so
many benefactors. It seemed as though not only were these
individuals willing to help her, but it appeared these people saw
through the façade of Anthony Rawlings. For so long, Claire truly
believed his veneer was impenetrable.

Claire had contacted Amber
McCoy after she received Tony’s box of information. It didn’t seem
right for Claire to hide the possible cause of Amber’s fiancé’s
death. She wasn’t sure how Amber would react. If Claire’s theory
were correct, Claire was in essence responsible for Simon’s death –
if he hadn’t tried to contact
her,
he might still be alive.

Claire realized her
assumptions were astounding, and she had no proof. Nonetheless, as
the two conversed, Claire spun an amazing tale of deceit and
vengeance. Apparently she’d been convincing enough to gain Amber’s
trust. In the months that followed, through multiple emails (Claire
had limited computer access while incarcerated) they shared
information and research regarding the materials Tony offered in
his
box
.
Together, they were in the process of recreating much of the
information.

The need to recreate was
due to Claire’s impulsivity. In a moment of weakness she decided to
throw most of the information in the prison’s incinerator.
Sometimes she reasoned it wasn’t weakness, but strength -- the
strength to rid her of her past, a sort of cleansing. Fortuitously,
she’d chosen to save a few non-duplicable items, pictures and
the
Top Secret
report.

Claire wasn’t sure what she planned to
accomplish when she recreated the box of information. She’d planned
to have more time. However, she wasn’t complaining. Being released
from prison almost four years early was worth the uncertainty
regarding her intentions. She and Amber would continue to recreate
the timeline, understand Tony’s past in order to influence his
future. Perhaps others would join their quest. Claire didn’t know
if Emily was up for the challenge.

Thinking about her sister, Claire knew she
loved her. However, understandably Claire’s arrest and confessions
strained their relationship. The accusations and concerns Emily
professed and Claire vehemently denied during her marriage were now
realized. Claire’s deceit cost them both dearly. Truthfully, Tony
made the final call, ultimately responsible for Claire’s
incarceration, John’s charges (embezzlement and fraudulent client
billing), and every bad thing that happened on planet Earth in the
last forty-eight years. Emily tried to support Claire while she was
in the Iowa prison. Their interaction was superficial at best. Now
that Claire was pardoned, reconnecting with Emily was high on her
priority list.

As the small jet cleared the Santa Cruz
Mountains, twilight descended upon Silicon Valley. The lights of
Palo Alto greeted her, and the airport bustled with commuter
planes. It was one of the busiest private airports in the
country.

Wishing for invisibility from her
ex-husband, Claire prayed one woman on one jet would go completely
unnoticed.

As the door opened and the tepid air filled
the cabin Claire allowed herself to experience the relief
associated with freedom. The change of scenery helped facilitate
her emotional shift. Placing one foot in front of the other she
disembarked the plane. After three years of constant surveillance,
the uncertainty of California’s possibilities thrilled and
terrified her.

Her future was in
her
hands --such a
simple statement of independence. Nonetheless, it could not have
been made twenty-four hours earlier. Claire thought about that; it
could not have been made thirty-six months ago. Straightening her
shoulders and lifting her head high, Claire scanned the
concourse.

As if knowing Claire’s need for immediate
confirmation and reaffirmation, Amber walked silently from an
unmarked hanger. She looked much different than she did eighteen
months ago at Simon’s funeral. Not physically, as Claire recognized
the slender brunette instantly. The difference was her presence, no
longer grief stricken; Amber radiated a casual confidence and a
self-assured aura. Their eyes met and Amber moved toward her.

On the concrete concourse the two friends
and strangers, embraced. The day had already been extremely long.
Emotionally overloaded, Claire was thankful for her new friend and
ready for quiet time. Amber understood and drove them to her condo,
with minimal stops on the way for essentials.

Nestled near downtown Palo Alto, Amber’s
condominium blended perfectly into its surroundings with its stucco
walls and orange tiled roof. They parked in an underground garage
after waving to the security officer guarding the entrance. When
the elevator opened to the fourth floor, Claire recognized the true
grandeur of the building, with wide hallways giving access to
multiple dwellings. Amber explained, she’d lived there for years,
loved the neighborhood, people, and city. As a bonus, SiJo Gaming
was near. She didn’t need to fight the daily San Francisco
traffic.

Hardwood floors, taupe walls, and recessed
lighting combined to make her condo warm and inviting. The two
ladies settled onto comfortable stools at Amber’s high kitchen
table and became better acquainted. Claire gazed around the room
and took in the simplistic chic style. The understated panache and
flair appealed to Claire. It wasn’t the grandeur of the mansion she
shared with her ex-husband, yet nonetheless, lavish and elegant.
The granite counters and table top felt cool and smooth. The high
stools in which they sat allowed her feet to pivot upon the cast
iron bar.

Their conversation proceeded benignly.
Perhaps Amber could sense Claire’s dazed realization; during the
hours that followed, the two women connected. They shared sushi,
wine, and discussed their common bond. As the hours slipped away
and the outside darkness intensified, their interaction within
became increasingly real.

Nineteen hours earlier, Claire woke in a
prison cell. It was the day that wouldn’t end. She was physically
and emotionally spent. However, Amber must have realized there was
a conversation they needed to undergo. Claire wasn’t ready for
Amber’s question, “Did you love Simon?”

Recently conversation hadn’t been Claire’s
norm. So sitting with Amber and being asked something so personal,
something that could impact their relationship, frightened her.
Claire believed her answer could cost her the one person willing to
help her plight. She hesitated, “I hadn’t seen Simon since our
freshman year of college, until he came to see me in Chicago.”

“
I know that. But, what I
want to know is if you loved him.”

Claire bowed her head. The
day was too much -- too many changes. She couldn’t summon a mask to
disguise her true emotions. Her shoulders slumped. Her eyes
saddened, though too tired for tears. “I thought I did. When we
were at Valparaiso, I believed in fairy tales. I believed in
forever. When he left for his internship, I expected him to return.
When he didn’t, I expected an invitation to join him. It broke my
heart I never got one.” Claire began to stand, believing Amber
would no longer want her to stay. “When I saw him in Chicago, I
remembered those feelings. Simon’s love was unconditional. You
don’t know what I went through with Tony, but
unconditional
is not a word I’d use
to describe it.” Claire hesitated, looked out the large window and
saw the quiet tree lined street, four stories below, illuminated by
old fashioned light poles. Although Amber remained silent, Claire
no longer held eye contact, “Seeing him that day made me sad. I
didn’t know about you. Honestly, I didn’t ask if he were married or
engaged. I just knew the love of someone like Simon was something
I’d never experience again. I knew I’d missed out on something
real, and I’d never know it.” Claire pushed the stool under the
counter. “Thank you for getting me out of Iowa. Once I cash the
check, I’ll reimburse you. I’ll try to find somewhere to stay
tonight.”

“
Why are you leaving?”
Amber’s surprised expression echoed her words.

“
After what I just said,
don’t you want me to go?”

Amber walked around the table and faced
Claire. The two women were so different and yet so alike: both
brunettes, Amber a little taller with brown eyes and Claire more
petite with green eyes. Although both were under thirty, life had
dealt them more sadness than they deserved. “No, I don’t.” Claire
staggered backwards in surprise. She couldn’t take more emotion in
one day. “Simon loved you. If his love was unrequited I could
easily hate you. But, if his love was reciprocated, if you truly
loved him in return, even ten years ago, then all I can do is all I
can do.”

Claire stared at the woman before her. “I’m
sorry.” She shook her head. “I don’t understand what you’re
saying.”

“
I’m saying,” she reached
for Claire’s hand, “I want you to stay here or at least in Palo
Alto, and I want to help you find a life.” Amber widened her smile.
“I want to understand more about your ex-husband, but not tonight.
I want to help you do whatever you feel is necessary to repay him
for his actions, whether that is revenge or just showing him you
can exist without him. I want to honor Simon by having the two
women who loved him unite in a common bond.”

“
Thank you. I’m sorry the
two of you didn’t get the chance to marry. If I had anything to do
with that, I’m truly sorry.” Claire held the chair for
support.

“
Simon had to do with
that. Not you. It was just the man he was. Don’t feel too guilty.
We were friends and colleagues for years; our romance was
blossoming. I’ve been blessed to have Simon in my life. Even
without marriage he provided for me forever. Please let me share
some of that with you.”

“
Thank you, but I never
want to be dependent upon anyone again. I need to be my own
person.”

“
That’s great. If I can
help you do that, I’d be honored. Will you let me help you get on
your feet?”

Claire thought about her
life. Everyone she knew before her marriage was gone. Even her
sister was alienated. The friends she acquired during her time with
Tony were frightened or truly believed she tried to kill Tony. She
and Courtney had clandestine contact. Tony’s influence knew few
bounds.
Had there been anyone who wanted
to help her, just her?
“Are you a patient
person?” Claire asked.

Amber’s lips and eyes revealed a smile
fighting for exposure. “I’ve been told I have problems in that
area.”

Claire returned her smile, “I’m glad to hear
you don’t have a halo. I was beginning to wonder.”

“
Oh hell, just stick
around. You’ll learn more about the horns that expose themselves
occasionally.”

“
I’m willing to accept
your help to get me back on my feet. I hate that I need it, but I
know I do… thank you.”

As Claire fell asleep that night she
marveled at her new situation. Life had dealt her many changes –
this one left her exhausted, eager, and filled with warmth.

*****

Those pleasant feelings continued as she
once again sat at the kitchen table, trying to make sense of her
life. A little after five in the morning, Amber sleepily found her
way into the kitchen. “Good morning, I’m not used to having a
roommate. The light startled me.”

“
I’m sorry. The time
difference made me wake early.”

“
Don’t you want coffee?”
Amber asked as she selected a small cup and placed it in the top of
the machine. Next she pushed a few buttons and the machine came to
life. Slowly, Claire walked over to the counter.

“
I’m afraid you may have
bitten off more than anyone can chew. Apparently, I don’t even know
how to make coffee.”

Amber laughed, “These are kind of new. The
hardest part is deciding your flavor.”

Claire explained she should call her sister
before news of her release hit the media. Amber brought Claire her
laptop, “This is to look up your sister’s number. You’re also
welcome to use the telephone and call whomever you want.” Claire
considered the possibility of unlimited access. Undoubtedly, she
would require help with more than just coffee.