Within days, the 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.
Madeline arranged for Claire to visit the doctor, and Francis accompanied her. Traveling by boat was something that would take time to get used to. Once on the mainland, Claire loved how Francis helped her feel welcome and secure.
She was both relieved and happy to learn that the doctor Phil promised truly did exist. He was educated in the UK and spoke English as well as many of the native languages. His clinic was modern and even had an ultrasound. Claire was now twenty-six weeks into her pregnancy. Since it had been over a month since her last visit, the doctor recommended an ultrasound. The image amazed Claire—so unlike the original peanut-shaped picture she’d shown to Tony. This time, she saw her baby’s profile, as well as, little hands and little feet. When he asked if she knew the sex of her child, Claire remembered the conversation she’d never had with Tony; the one asking him to go with her to her next appointment. With tears in her eyes, Claire replied, “No, doctor, I don’t, and I don’t want to know—not yet.” He willingly kept the information hidden.
Every midday and evening, Claire would sit down to eat with Madeline and Francis. The idea of eating each meal alone was too daunting. Within no time at all, meals became Claire’s favorite time of day. She loved to watch the two of them interact, as Madeline’s expression absolutely glowed when she was near Francis. They had so many stories to share; Claire could sit and listen for hours. To Madeline’s insistence, each meal began with a prayer. It was a ritual Claire hadn’t practiced since she was young, and after so much change and discord in her life, she found it comforting. It wasn’t what Claire imagined her life would be, but at least she felt safe and accepted. Considering everything she’d endured—that was a lot—more than she could ever ask for...
Those who have trusted where they ought not, will surely mistrust where they ought not.
—Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach
Although it was only a little over two weeks since Tony was with the FBI in Boston, it seemed like a lifetime had passed. Even he didn’t recognize his reflection in the mirror. His beard growth and unkempt hair, along with his uncustomary clothes, created a person Tony was tired of being. As he lay within the hostel in Geneva, he knew his first goal was in sight. He’d sacrificed comfort to maintain the cash necessary to, once again, become Anton Rawls. That wasn’t who he planned to be forever; nevertheless, Anton was a necessary step to accessing his hidden treasure.
The new suit hanging near his bed took more of his cash reserve than he’d used on living expenses for the entire two weeks. That, plus the razor he’d just bought, was waiting to reveal the man beneath. Tony tried unsuccessfully to sleep as thoughts of his morning filled his mind. In the morning, he’d finally access the financial institution and resume a more accustomed lifestyle.
During the past seventeen days, Tony had done more than travel. He’d spent time at internet cafés, learning what he could. At first, he followed the developments of Rawlings Industries. The Vandersols were continuing to taunt the press with accusations. With each statement or news release, the price of stock in Rawlings and it’s many subsidiaries took another hit. One article said the board of directors named Timothy Bronson temporary CEO, in the absence of CEO Anthony Rawlings.
Tony wasn’t sure how he felt about their decision. Did they truly feel he was that easily replaced? Then, as the days passed, Tony came to the realization that he supported Tim’s new role. After all, over the past few years, he’d been grooming him for just such a move. It wasn’t like Tony planned to disappear, but Tim had shown promise from the beginning. It was good to know he was the man in charge.
Once that realization struck, Tony experienced an unexpected release from his business obligations. He could spend his time watching his empire struggle to survive and still do nothing, or he could spend his time learning more about Agent Jackson’s odd remarks and tracking down his family. For the first time in his life—Rawlings Industries paled in importance.
Whenever he could, Tony researched rabbit trails of information. Nothing came together. He knew he was missing too many pieces of the puzzle.