Truth - Romig Aleatha - Страница 57
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“I checked. He hasn’t attended in three years, since May of 2010. And Shedis-tics hasn’t submitted their attendees for this year. They have four tickets.”
Claire’s mind went to May of 2010, “He went to this in 2010?”
“Yes, that’s the information I saw. Why? You weren’t married until December right?”
“Right.”
“Well, he was there with someone else, early May. I didn’t recognize the name of his companion or remember the exact date. But it was in 2010.”
Claire thought about being in his house while he attended events with other women. Why had she never thought of that before? It wasn’t until late May of 2010 that she went to the Symphony with him. All those lonely evenings and nights when he was busy. Unconsciously she clenched her teeth. Oh, she didn’t want to go there. Claire tried to focus on Amber. “Oh, I guess... I’ll still do it. I owe you this and more.”
“You don’t owe me anything. However, I was thinking if he does come, wouldn’t this be a great opportunity to be seen near him, in public? You know, since he spoiled your plans for visibility during your dinner.”
Claire shrugged. “I suppose it could be.” Slowly a smile spread from her lips to her eyes, “And if I knew he was to be there, but he didn’t know I was... hmm,” she pondered, “I think this could be good.”
“I won’t have Liz send your and Harry’s name in until the last minute.”
“Thank you.” Claire leaned across the tall kitchen table and asked, “Tell me, is this an occasion for a new dress?”
“Oh girl, do you need an occasion? Seriously, you’re welcome to borrow one of mine. Check out the closet in the spare bedroom; any one is fine.”
By eight fifteen Friday morning, Claire sat comfortably in the wide plush leather seat aboard a non-stop United flight to San Diego. If she stayed true to her schedule, she’d pick-up her rental car and be in her hotel suite before noon. Claire felt devious and clever, booking her flight at four thirty in the morning, and not confirming her hotel until she was in the first class lounge awaiting her flight. Undoubtedly, Phil Roach would follow, but the momentary slip fortified her ability to manipulate the people who worked tirelessly monitoring her every move. She relished the brief reprieve from knowing eyes.
Just before take-off, Claire sent a text to Meredith proposing dinner in her suite while they discussed the impending journalistic expose. She hadn’t received confirmation and now that the plane was in the air, her iPhone had to be off. With the scrutinizing eyes of the seemingly friendly flight attendant, Claire followed the rules and kept her phone neatly stashed in the pocket of her purse. She’d check for Meredith’s response once she landed.
Preoccupied with following signs to the luggage carousel and retrieving her larger suitcase, Claire didn’t remember to turn on her iPhone until she was standing in line for her rental car. When she turned the telephone on, she saw multiple emails, text messages, two missed calls, and one voice mail message. She opted for the voice mail. After entering the necessary information she clasped her hand over her ear, trying to shut out the noisy airport clamor and listened to the voice coming from her phone. She needn’t worried. The voice was loud and clear.
“I hoped you could answer this phone, since you refuse to answer the number you know I know. I will assume you have a good reason for not answering but will call me back immediately. Shelly just called. I expect you remember she’s my publicist. We need to talk. If I do not hear from you by noon, my time, I am boarding a jet and heading to you. The choice is yours.”
Claire didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath, until the voicemail ended. Finally she exhaled. Looking to the screen she saw the time, 9:57. She tried to remember the time difference. Shit, three minutes. Why did everyone want to talk? That word no longer held a positive connotation.
Claire stepped from the line and indicated for the next patron to progress toward the counter. She wasn’t surprised Tony called her iPhone. She knew once she and Emily started communicating through it, it’d be easy prey. Honestly, at that moment she was happy he had. If he’d left this message on her other phone, she probably wouldn’t have heard it until he was already in California.
Claire dialed Tony’s number, while simultaneously sifting her emotions. Fear was among the top contenders; she wasn’t stupid. Nonetheless, it held a mild third to determination and revenge. She’d made up her mind. When she thought Harry was the victim of Tony’s consequence, Claire knew, he had to be brought down. His power needed to be lessened. She admitted having erotic thoughts about her ex-husband, along with thoughts of lust and perhaps – love. Nonetheless, if he could table his love to fulfill his agenda of revenge, she could do the same.
Regulating her breathing, Claire listened to the ring of his private line.
On the third ring she heard the same voice, less menacing than the one on the message, yet still irritated, “My, Claire, you do like to cut it close, don’t you?”
“I just turned on my telephone. I hope I caught you before you made an unnecessary trip.”
“I don’t make unnecessary trips.”
“Please enlighten me. What did Shelly tell you that has you so worked up?”
She heard his grin, “Worked up? My dear, you have no idea.”
“I would argue, but I’m on a schedule. Could you please tell me why I called, so I can continue with my agenda?”
“Of course, I’m sure your schedule is excessively hectic.” He paused, emphasizing his sarcasm. “Meredith Banks? Really Claire, haven’t you made that mistake before?” Though his tone was deceptively lighter, his words sent chills down her spine.
She waved the next person to the counter. The retraction wasn’t scheduled to be released until tomorrow. Why was Claire even surprised he’d already seen it? “If you’d read the release, it states I actually didn’t make that mistake before. Which I believe I told you. And yes, I remember the accident resulting from your misconception.”
“Are you trying to push me?”
“No. I’d be more direct if that were my goal. I’m trying to tell the world the truth. I’ve read numerous false accounts and believe it’s time to set the record straight.”
“Know my legal team will stop anything, including this retraction from ever seeing the light of day. You are wasting your time.”
“Funny, I remember telling you the same thing – recently.”
“I warned you not to disappoint me. I recommend you reconsider your actions.”
“I need to go. I’m in the middle of something. As always, it has been a pleasure.”
As Claire moved the phone from her ear to hit end, she heard him reply, “Not as much as last time.” Touching end, she wondered what exactly he meant by that.
As Anthony Rawlings ended the call with his ex-wife, he noticed the small symbol indicating an email. Despite the fact he had an untold number of people paused on a web-conference, he swiped the icon. Within the list of unread emails he saw one from Phillip Roach, dated today, received 10:23:04 this morning. Tony must have overlooked it earlier. He touched the screen and the document came into view.
To: Mr. Anthony Rawlings
Date: May 9, 2013
Subject: Ms. Nichols
From: Phillip Roach
Mr. Rawlings it seems Ms. Nichols booked a flight early this morning for San Diego. She left San Francisco at 08:12:00, PT. Her flight is scheduled to arrive in San Diego 09:43:00. I have confirmation of her hotel booking at the US Grant on Broadway. I could not manage a seat on Ms. Nichols’ flight. I am however scheduled to arrive at 11:17:00. As soon as I learn more, I will forward the information to you.
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