Her statement regarding no valid driver’s license also proved erroneous. Apparently, she did have an “identification card” with the name Claire Rawlings, but her “driver’s license” from Georgia under the name Claire Nichols was still valid. Paul couldn’t understand how Claire wouldn’t know. She tried to explain, “Tony did everything.” Paul didn’t understand and told her that a jury would also have difficulty.
Iowa furnished Claire with clothes for the preexamination conference. The court ordered preliminary conference remained six days away. This meeting would set the tone and direction for the conference. It was usually attended by the prosecuting attorneys, the defense attorneys, and the defendant, Claire. However, unbeknownst to the defendant, the victim requested to make an appearance. The judge agreed. The goal of this meeting was to determine if a trial can be avoided and an agreement made. The victim convinced the judge that he could help facilitate that end.
Mr. Evergreen and two of his associates sat opposite Claire and her team, Paul Task and his cocouncil Jane Allyson, at a large table covered in documents and laptops. The conference was about to begin when her heart skipped a beat. She saw him through the window of the door. She saw his profile: strong, handsome, and inflexible. She watched as he spoke to someone in the hall, turned the door handle, and entered.
Mr. Evergreen and Paul were talking, but as the door opened everyone became silent. The entire room turned to acknowledge the entrance of Mr. Anthony Rawlings. Mr. Evergreen stood. “Mr. Rawlings, I thought we discussed this and you were not to attend this conference.”
“Mr. Evergreen.” the two men shook hands. Claire involuntarily trembled. If only she had known he was going to be there. “I appreciate everyone’s concern for my safety. I will repeat to you what I told Judge Reynolds, I don’t believe my wife is a threat to my well-being. I believe if we can have a few moments alone we can save the taxpayers of Iowa the cost of a lengthy trial, and this court some time. Judge Reynolds has agreed to my request.” Tony’s command of this situation was obvious. It sounded as though he just asked the others to leave the room, but in reality it had been a mandate.
Mr. Evergreen and his team began to move their chairs and stand to leave. Paul and Jane whispered to one another as Paul stood. He leaned to Claire. “I will confirm that this has been approved by Judge Reynolds.” Then speaking to Tony, doing his best to appear professional, however, obviously intimidated by Tony’s mere presence. “Mr. Rawlings, I will need to confirm that Judge Reynolds has indeed approved this visit. In situations such as this—” Tony’s height loomed over Paul as he interrupted and handed Paul a paper from his breast pocket.
“Of course, Mr. Task, I would have expected no less. Here is the good judge’s written approval.” Paul took the paper and scanned its contents.
“Mrs. Rawlings, it appears to be in order.” The men started to walk toward the door. Jane didn’t move. She was the only member of either team to notice Claire’s physical reaction. She sat looking at her notes, at Claire, and at Tony. The silence intensified.
Finally, Jane rose and met Tony’s eyes. “Mr. Rawlings.”
“Ms. Allyson.” they nodded.
“Mr. Rawlings, this is unexpected. I would like to speak to our client for a few moments and determine her desire regarding this meeting. If you would please step into the hall with Mr. Evergreen and his team, Mr. Task and I will discuss this new situation with Mrs. Rawlings.” Tony started to speak, but Jane continued with conviction in her tone. “And then, if Mrs. Rawlings agrees to your meeting it may proceed under her conditions.” Claire felt a newfound appreciation for her young co-counsel.
Mr. Evergreen placed his hand on Tony’s arm and nodded. Tony looked directly at Claire. His dark eyes took her breath away. She hadn’t seen those eyes in almost a week. They filled her with intense emotions, both love and hate. He slowly agreed with a broad smile. Everyone else left the room, leaving Paul, Jane, and Claire alone. Claire remembered to breathe.
Paul started, “Claire, you don’t have to do this. But if you don’t, it will look like you are not interested in the taxpayers.” She wasn’t. “It isn’t just that. The fact he is willing to talk to you, the person accused of his attempted murder, makes him appear honorable and forgiving. If you refuse . . .” Claire listened, but her mind whirled. She believed that Tony knew she wouldn’t do this. Maybe he wanted to take her home, drop the charges, and forget the whole thing. If she left with him today, she would be out of that cell. She would be home!
Jane touched Claire’s arm. Claire turned to her attorney’s concerned expression. “Claire, I think it is completely up to you. Everything that Paul said is true, but none of it matters. You started to shake when he walked in the room. If you want, Paul and I,” she looked at Paul, who didn’t appear as strong as Jane, “or just me, would be willing to stay in here with you.”
Claire found her voice. “That isn’t what he said. He wants to talk to me alone.”