It was the name of Harry’s most recent girlfriend which caused Claire to twinge. She wasn’t sure what it meant. Could it be jealousy? She didn’t think so. However, not only had she met his ex, she’d talked with her. Now the more recent coolness she’d noticed from Amber’s personal assistant made sense: only months before, Harry and Liz had cohabitated.

“Do you find it weird working with her every day?” Claire asked.

“No. It’s over. We both know it. Besides she’s great at what she does.” Wow, that was an open ended statement, Claire thought. “And Amber doesn’t want to lose her, just because we had a thing.”

“That’s incredibly mature. Does she feel the same?”

“Well, I think so,” he shrugged. “We haven’t talked about it.” Looking closely over the rim of his mug with a look of disgust, he added, “Not everyone hires private detectives to follow their ex’s every move.”

That reminded Claire of Phil’s secret message from the night before. With everything else, she’d actually forgotten. Harry’s eyes widened with curiosity when she told him about the wine delivery and the note.

Taking her empty cup, Harry kissed her nose and said, “My, your list of admirers continues to grow. How did I end up being the one to stay the night?”

The idea of Tony or Phil staying made Claire uncomfortable. Mostly because she’d fantasized about one and hardly knew the other. But Harry’s tone made the blood rush again to her cheeks. She couldn’t believe she was blushing like a school girl. “Lucky, I guess, Mr. Baldwin.”

“I would have to agree.” His smile warmed her.

They also talked about her last night in San Diego. Despite Mr. Rawlings’ request (more of a mandate, Claire thought), to stop her discussions with Meredith, she had a scheduled meeting and planned to keep it. She planned to do what she’d told Tony – go on with the interviews but halt production. Recounting the sickening feeling of fear for Harry, Amber, John, and Emily, she believed this might just be the ticket to keep them safe. However, she did worry about Meredith’s reaction. Undoubtedly, she would want her article or articles published, preferably sooner than later.

Harry asked, “So would you mind company for the rest of your stay? I’ll make myself scarce while you and Meredith are working.” Claire smiled and remained silent. She liked his requests. They were so much nicer than decrees. Harry continued, “I think with all of your visitors, I should stay... for your safety.”

“Didn’t you say Tony’s plane went back to Iowa?”

“Yes.” He hesitated and then asked, “Does that mean your answer’s no?”

“It means you need a better reason.” Her eyes twinkled.

“How about, I want to?”

“That works for me. But maybe you could...” She raised her eyebrows.

This time his cheeks reddened, “Yes, I was thinking a stop at the drug store was in order.” Claire didn’t respond verbally, she just nodded.

*****

The vibration of her iPhone, against the glass surface of the small table, pulled Claire from her memories. She read the screen: TONY CELL.

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. 

—Charlotte Whitton

Chapter 27

TONY CELL, Claire read the words from her iPhone. She wanted to be the one to call him, but her memories faded into dreams as she lay on the sunlit lounge chair. Mindlessly, she realized her plate was gone and her tea was full. The vibration and ringing confirmed her earlier concern; Tony or Shelly must’ve seen Meredith’s blog. Claire knew she needed to meet his confrontation head-on. If she didn’t, she risked him flying back to San Diego. And seeing as how her sleeping situation had recently changed, that wouldn’t be good. After the fifth ring she squared her shoulders and swiped the screen.

“Hello, Tony.”

“Claire.”

She couldn’t determine his mood by his one-word response. “To what do I owe this honor? First a visit – now a call.” Claire tried in vain to sound nonchalant.

“It seems that your friend blogged about your impending disclosure.”

“Yes, I read that.”

“We discussed this yesterday. I was under the impression we’d reached an agreement.”

Claire reached up and touched the pearl dangling daintily from her neck. “As I recall our agreement states the articles won’t be printed, unless something happens to me or someone associated with me.” She attempted to maintain her businesslike tone. “I said I would go on with the interviews.”

Sarcastically he asked, “Tell me Claire, do you expect bodyguards for everyone? I’ll need a list of names.”

She shook her head, “I expect distance and respect.”

“And I expect my directives to be followed.” Claire recognized the change in Tony’s tone. It was harder with increased volume. “Her blog no longer exists.”

“That’s unreasonable.” She replied, “She didn’t know anything about your directive. I haven’t had the chance to speak with her.”

“That’s your undoing, not mine.”

“Actually, I beg to differ. I was upset by your visit last night, more accurately by your gift. Instead of calling, I fell asleep. By the time I woke, she wasn’t available and the blog was viral.” As Claire spoke, she powered-up her iPad and searched for Meredith’s blog. The web address she’d used earlier was met with the Error Response: Server not found. “Shit, Tony, what have you done?”

“I believe I presented you with a sign of commitment, and now I have presented you with a warning. Following my rules isn’t optional. I expect you to remember that, if you want your requests to be considered.”

Claire’s blood boiled. She remembered his rules and his redundant lectures regarding those rules. However, as much as she wanted to argue and fight, she wanted her loved ones safe, and John’s law license reinstated. With great effort, Claire’s voice strained with projected compliance, “I will speak with Meredith this evening. Nothing more will appear in print or on-line as long as people stay safe and John gets his license.”

“Your second request will take some time.”

“Tony, it wasn’t a request.”

“Your bravado is appreciated, but I won’t be swindled. I don’t make mistakes or unsubstantiated threats. It would do you well to keep that in mind.”

“From business metaphors to chess, the thing is, for a swindle to have occurred I would need to be losing. On the contrary, I’m in California and you’re in Iowa. I would say I have the initiative.”

“Well, I see your weakness, your hole, and I’m confident that you’ll blunder. The queen will be mine.”

“Yes, I know the term. Now, didn’t you tell me last night that I continually exceed your expectations?” She didn’t wait for a response. “I think you’ve forgotten – to win at the game of chess it isn’t the queen you seek, but the king.”

“You may consider Meredith’s blog to be a gambit, but I doubt she shares your point of view. I look forward to the end-game.”

Claire sighed, “I will talk with her tonight.”

“By the way, I like the black bathing suit, but I’d prefer it here at the estate where it wouldn’t be seen by as many people.”

Her head darted from side to side. Behind the trunk of a palm tree, under the shade of an umbrella she saw Phillip. “Good-bye, Tony.” She disconnected the line, before he could comment. She stood and made her way toward Phil’s umbrella; they needed to talk.

The late afternoon temperature was perfect. The low humidity combined with a light breeze made the pool oasis a haven for relaxation. However, as Claire approached Philip Roach, his expression looked anything but relaxed.

She didn’t ask permission to sit in the chair next to his, she just did.

His voice was curt, “Ms. Nichols, I thought we weren’t to know one another. Can I assume we’re being photographed?”