Authors: Aleatha Romig
He picked up the telephone. “Hello, this is
Anthony Rawlings. I’d like to speak to Marcus Evergreen.” “I see.”
“Please inform him I have business taking me out of town for a few
days. I should be back by Monday.” “Thank you.”
Next, he used his iPhone and called Eric.
“Get the plane ready. I’m leaving for Provincetown in a few
hours.”
*****
Sophia shivered as she walked into her art
studio. After record setting heat over the summer, she couldn’t
believe the coolness of the autumn. She considered turning on the
furnace to remove the cool dampness from the air and from her
art.
Looking out the front windows, she stared
past the sidewalk full of Saturday tourists at the low clouds. She
came to her studio to get out of the cottage. With Derek on his way
back to Taiwan to attend a few unavoidable meetings, she needed a
reprieve from life’s recent dealings. Next week they’d be back
together in California.
Sophia sighed as she set
her purse in the back room. There were so many things to do
regarding her parents’ estate. Never had she imagined they’d
incurred so much debt helping with her dreams. Thankfully, due to
her recent sales, she could settle their accounts. She wondered why
they never said anything. No wonder they wouldn’t consider hiring
someone to help with Pop. Sophia’s heart ached with
what-ifs
. Their love for
her took everything, even their lives. Over the last few days,
Derek repeatedly tried to convince Sophia they wouldn’t have wanted
it any other way; she hoped and prayed he was right.
The bell pulled Sophia from her sad spiral.
Damn, she meant to lock the front door. It wasn’t that she was
afraid. This was a great town. She just wanted some quiet time
alone.
As she stepped into the studio, the man at
the counter looked familiar. Maybe he’d been at a gallery event, or
she’d seen him on TV. She couldn’t be sure, but his eyes were so
dark and mesmerizing. “I’m sorry; I’m not open today. I just forgot
to lock the door,” Sophia said as she approached Tony.
“
That is all right. I can
come back,” Tony said with an agreeable smile. “It is just that I
travel a lot and happened to be in town. A friend of mine told me
about your gallery. He was here a week or so ago and bought three
pieces. I’m very interested in nature, and he said you have a
wonderful selection.”
Sophia exhaled and smiled. Of course, talk
of her art could lift the dark cloud that held her hostage. “Are
you a friend of Jackson Wilson?” Tony’s smile widened as he nodded.
She continued, “He’s one of my biggest fans.”
“
I don’t get this way
often. Are you sure you couldn’t give me a speed tour? By the way,
my name is Anthony, Anthony Rawlings.”
Sophia stuck out her hand. “Where are my
manners? I’m so sorry. My name is Sophia, Sophia Burke. I would be
happy to give you a tour.” She couldn’t help looking at those
eyes.
“
With one condition,”
Anthony said, his eyes shining, “you let me buy you dinner and a
drink after the tour.”
Sophia gently took the man’s elbow and led
him around the studio. After a few minutes of enjoying his charm,
she decided, why not? After the last two weeks, what harm could one
dinner and a drink do... after all; a new investor could help with
her parents’ debt.
Sophia’s mind moved slowly
with recent events; however, when the word
investor
came to her, she recognized
the name of the man beside her. “Rawlings?” She stepped back. “Are
you the Anthony Rawlings, as in Rawlings Industries and
Shedis-tics?”
He grinned, “The one and only.”
She tried to hide her shock. “I’m not sure
if you know this... I mean you have thousands of employees, but my
husband works for you at Shedis-tics.”
Tony turned toward the painting. “This is
lovely. What was your inspiration?”
Sophia tried to concentrate, the mountains
were from memory. “The inspiration was a mountain range in Geneva,
Switzerland. It’s a beautiful place. Have you ever been?”
He nodded. Sophia saw sadness behind those
memorizing eyes. “Mr. Rawlings is everything all right?” She’d been
so wrapped up in her own personal tragedy she hadn’t been following
the news.
His eyes refocused on her. “I’d like to
purchase this.”
She never remembered making an easier sale.
“You don’t have to do that, just because we identified our
connection.”
“
Oh, Mrs. Burke, there is
more. Could we possibly discuss it all over dinner?”
Sophia looked at her watch. “It’s ten in the
morning.”
He smiled, “Then lunch? Could I meet you at
the Bistro at the top of Bradford Street, say one o’clock?”
“
They don’t serve meals
until after 5:30.”
Tony exhaled, “Well, I’m not on my usual
game. I’m staying at the Inn at Crown Pointe, so once again...
dinner... say six?”
“
Do you want to know the
price of the painting?”
“
You can tell me during
dinner. I’ll write you a check.” He smiled, “If you think I’m good
for it?”
Despite the absurdity of this encounter,
Derek had said good things about Anthony Rawlings. “I accept. I’ll
see you at six.”
Tony bowed gallantly. “Mrs. Burke, it is a
pleasure to finally speak with you in person. I look forward to our
talk.”
She watched as he walked
into the cool autumn morning.
Mmm,
tonight’s conversation with Derek will be
interesting
, she thought as the bell on
the door jingled signifying Mr. Rawlings’ exit. Sophia quickly
walked toward the handle and secured the lock. She’d had enough odd
visits for one day.
Tony paced the confines of his executive
suite thinking about Sophia. He wondered what she would be like if
she’d been raised a Rawls, instead of a Rossi. In actuality, she
was a London; however, that was irrelevant.
Nathaniel Rawls wanted to bring Sophia into
the family as soon as he found her. At first Tony wasn’t sure;
although, he never dared voice his opinion to his grandfather. Yet
over time, as Nathaniel’s intention remained steadfast, Anton
agreed. With Sophia’s talent, an affluent education and influence
could have propelled her beyond her current meager status.
Although Sophia’s adoption was completely
legal, the true reason Nathaniel’s desire never materialized was
Marie/Catherine. Even in 2013, she didn’t want to know or even have
knowledge of her daughter. Catherine didn’t know Sophia’s name, her
occupation, anything...
Catherine knew Tony knew. Tony even
suspected Catherine knew he’d been watching over her. Until the
death of Sophia’s adoptive parents, they’d never discussed it. Tony
wasn’t sure how to approach the subject, especially now with Sophia
married into a line connected to Jonathon Burke. Yet, he reasoned,
Catherine was supportive of him and Claire; perhaps she could also
be supportive of Sophia’s choice.
Heaven knows, Tony didn’t approve of Derek
Burke initially. However, over time the man passed every test Tony
posed. Tony wanted to be sure Derek was the right person. After
three years of enticements, Derek and Sophia were still
together.
Tony thought pensively about Claire. If only
he could say the same about them.
The knock at the door startled him. His
original thought to ignore it evaporated as the rapping grew
louder. “Mr. Rawlings, open the door.” He stared toward the wooden
barrier. “Mr. Rawlings, this is the FBI. If you don’t open the
door, we have a member of the Inn’s staff present to open it.”
His dark eyes stared as he pulled the door
toward him, “FBI... is this about Claire?”
A man in a dark suit presented a badge,
“Yes, sir.”
“
Have you found
her?”
“
Mr. Rawlings, we need to
take you in for questioning.”
The weak can never
forgive.
Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
―
Mahatma
Gandhi
Claire rolled on the large bed, relishing
the soft sheets against her skin. Smiling, she reached for the man
whose warmth filled her days and nights. Instead, her touch met
cool satin. Lingering in her cocoon, she enjoyed the ceiling fan’s
gentle breeze as it moved the humid air around the grand bedroom.
When she closed her eyes the scent of his cologne permeated her
senses. Beyond her haven, she heard the sounds of morning: birds
singing their morning wake-up songs and the ever present surf.
Forcing herself from the
heavenly bubble, she reached for her robe, and walked toward the
veranda. A veil of tropical vegetation filtered the sun’s sultry
penetration. Stepping around the fragrant flowers and large lush
leaves, she took in the marvelous view. Even after over two months,
it still took her breath away. Leaning against the folding wall,
one that, due to her instance, remained mostly open allowing the
indoors to be outdoors; she relished the blue. Truly,
blue
couldn’t describe
the panorama: endless blue sky with wisps of white filled the space
above the horizon. Below the horizon, Crayola would be at a lost to
describe the shades. On most mornings turquoise dominated.
Sometimes if the sun was just right, the waves sparkled florescent.
Farther out, away from the shore and her paradise, the waters
darkened. The blue became indigo, purple or gray, often reminding
her of the fog covered mountains near Palo Alto.
Wearing a white bikini and white lace cover
she made her way to the front lanai. As her bare feet padded across
the smooth bamboo floor, Madeline’s friendly rich voice brought her
to present. “Madame el, may I bring you tea?”
Claire smiled, “Yes, Madeline, thank you.
But please, no food... I’m not hungry.” The baby’s increased growth
reduced her stomach to a mere fraction of its old size. She filled
so easily these days.
Madeline and Francis were brought to this
island paradise thirty-five years ago by their wealthy employer. He
died, but they stayed. Since that time they’ve worked and
maintained this heavenly home, on the other side of the world from
their native Haiti, for multiple owners. When Claire purchased the
paradise retreat, the couple came as part of the package. They were
invaluable, especially during the first few weeks while she was
alone.
She couldn’t imagine being there without
them.
They did everything and anything to make
Claire feel welcome and safe. Madeline’s dark, radiant skin and
cheerful smile brightened every room. She absolutely glistened when
Francis was near. Being married for over forty years and unable to
have children themselves, they have tirelessly cared for family
after family. As a matter of fact, when they first learned the
estate, the island, the retreat, was purchased by a single female,
they tried unsuccessfully to hide their disappointment. However, as
soon as Madeline saw Claire’s midsection, she praised God for
giving them another child to tend.
Within days, customary staff – lady of the
house, protocol was forgotten. Claire spent hours with Madeline in
the state of the art kitchen, learning to cook foods she’d never
previously tried. She also spent time with Francis, caring for the
tropical gardens and fruit trees. The three would sit down together
and eat. To Madeline’s insistence, each meal began with a prayer.
It was a ritual Claire hadn’t practiced since she was young. After
so much change and discord in her life, she’s found it
comforting.
Of course, as is always true, things change.
Claire was no longer alone. It took some time for her husband to
make his way to their paradise. Too many disappearances at once
would add to the speculations of critics. Since his arrival,
Madeline and Francis stepped back -- some. Claire refused to allow
them to be lost to archaic protocol. They may be her employees, but
they were also her friends. With Claire’s insistence, all four of
them sit together for midday meal. Although breakfast remained a
relaxed time for Claire, it was usually a rush for Francis and
Madeline; they had things to do. Claire’s husband’s schedule
varied, sometimes he joined her for coffee and breakfast, and
sometimes he went out and about. He liked exploring the area,
reading the internet news, or taking the boat to the local village
center. Evening meals were reserved for the two of them. After all,
they were officially newlyweds and as such, needed time alone.
“
No, madame el, you must
eat. I’ll bring you muffins and fresh fruit.”
Claire shook her head. Arguing would be
pointless.
At the early hour, the lush vegetation
entwined above the lanai shaded the lounge chairs near the pool.
Claire settled into the cushioned seat, elevated her feet, turned
on her iPad, and waited for the daily news to load. She may be
thousands and thousands of miles away, but technology made the
world a smaller place. Events across the globe would soon be as
visible, as if she were on the same continent.
It wasn’t the first story to appear on her
homepage, but her own picture immediately caught Claire’s
attention. She clicked and read the title:
Family Files Charges against Iowa City
Police Department, Prosecutor, and Anthony Rawlings.
Shaking her head, Claire read: Associated
Press. John and Emily Vandersol have filed formal charges against
the Iowa City Police Department, Marcus Evergreen, I.C. Prosecutor,
and Anthony Rawlings(in absentia).
Mr. and Mrs. Vandersol have requested a
hearing based on evidence discovered at the home of Anthony
Rawlings. The request states the evidence, currently undisclosed,
is sufficient to establish probable cause against Anthony Rawlings.
The Vandersols also charge Mr. Rawlings with extortion. “Anyone
else would be sitting in jail. It’s only because of his wealth and
influence that ICPD and Mr. Evergreen have not filed charges. Their
delay is corruption.” (Another of the many charges listed). The
Vandersols claim the prosecutor and police department worked
together to protect Anthony Rawlings. In doing so, the ICPD
jeopardized the investigation of Ms. Claire Nichols’ disappearance.
Mrs. Vandersol also charged Mr. Rawlings (in absentia) with the
disappearance and possible death of her unborn niece or nephew.