“Yes, I did.”
There were so many questions going through Claire’s mind. She didn’t know which ones to vocalize. “He never talks about his family. Well, he’s mentioned his grandfather a few times. Please tell me about them.”
Catherine focused on Claire, “Someday, perhaps. Today is about Anton. He needs you more than he is willing to admit, even now. I hope you can see the strides he has accomplished and the concessions he’s made.”
Claire fought the emotions within her. She steadied her shoulders, “I do. I also have memories. Not just the ones of here. You mentioned sometimes being with him was difficult. You and I both know that’s an understatement.” Claire inhaled deeply and continued, “I also have memories of prison. Tell me why he did that to me.”
“Mr. Rawlings is a man of his word. The problem was, he made two different promises and he felt honored to keep them both. He hoped that by fulfilling one, in a different than expected way, he may have the chance to rectify the other.” Catherine squeezed Claire’s hand. “That’s up to you. Please give him the chance.”
“Why are you so loyal to him?”
“He is like my family. I have seen what life has done to him and how he has triumphed on so many levels. He has been loyal to me, also.”
“But, if I’m to interpret the box correctly, he’s done some terrible things.”
“Ms. – I mean, Claire, we have all done some terrible things. That doesn’t mean we aren’t capable of good. You’ve shown me that, too.”
As Claire was about to respond, they both heard the approaching footsteps. Coming from the house, Tony advanced carrying a large satchel. His concerned expression mellowed when his dark eyes met Claire’s. Abruptly, Catherine stood.
“Catherine.” His one word greeting could easily be interpreted as a reprimand.
“Tony,” Claire reached for him. “What do you have?”
Slowly, his piercing gaze left Catherine and turned toward Claire. She watched the light overtake the dark and a smile emerge. “I see you’re wearing the hiking boots.”
“Well, yes, you promised a walk,” Claire responded.
“I have our lunch. Shall we picnic at your lake?”
Catherine said, “I will leave you two to your afternoon.” Her eyes pleaded at Claire before she nodded and turned away.
“I hope I remember the way.” Claire said as they began walking toward the trees.
“Did I interrupt something?” he asked.
“Girl talk. I’ve missed Catherine terribly.” With a tightening in her stomach brought on by concern for the woman she held dear, Claire hoped Tony’s lack of response meant this conversation was done.
She did remember the way. With each step the directions came back to her. When the trees opened to her meadow, Claire sighed with relief. Everything was just as she’d remembered. The shadowed fringes contained remnants of morning glories the color of the Iowa sky. Daisies and mustard plants added yellow and golden highlights to the otherwise green clearing. Although Tony and Claire talked during their hike, they also enjoyed the quiet serenity of nature.
The buzz of the occasional insect and the rustle of the leaves above, brought on by the gentle wind, filled their ears. As they neared the lake, Claire noticed the fresh aroma of the water penetrating her lungs with each breath.
The new boots she’d found in the well-stocked closet stood upon the pebbles of the lake’s edge while the waves lapped the shore. Out over the water, the sun shone in sparkling prisms like colored flashes above the rippled lake. Tony squeezed her hand and whispered, “It’s as beautiful as I remember.”
“Have you been here -- recently?”
“No, I’d be lost without you.” Claire wondered if he meant he’d be lost in the woods or if the statement held deeper meaning.
They laid the blanket upon the shore and unpacked the lunch. She made no attempt to hide her ravenous hunger. Claire blamed her appetite on the exercise.
Later in the afternoon as the warmth continued to build, Claire took off her shoes and socks and ventured into the water. The soft underwater terrain squished beneath her toes. The warm sun on her skin and the cool water on her feet created the perfect balance.
“We could swim?” Tony offered.
“I didn’t bring a bathing suit.”
“Me either,” he managed with a sultry grin. Claire laughed and declined his offer. Instead, they lounged on the blanket in their shorts. As the sun’s rays intensified, Tony removed his shirt. Claire found the view from the blanket very enjoyable.
No man chooses evil because it is evil;
he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks.
-- Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Chapter 45