“That isn’t so bad, considering the way it was addressed. Why didn’t you want me to know that?”
He directed her to his large leather chair. She obediently bent her knees, and he said, “That wasn’t all. Under the name it read: R.I.P.”
She couldn’t hide the shock or fear suddenly flowing through her. Protectively her hand covered her midsection as her body began to tremble. “Oh my god, Tony...”
He knelt before her, his voice now soft, “I told you once before, too much information isn’t good for you. Will you please learn to trust me and enjoy the bliss I’m trying so hard to provide?”
“But... that has to be considered a threat. Can’t you take it to the police?”
“We are. But what will they do that we aren’t already doing?”
When his arms encircled her, she lost her fight with tears and took comfort in his lingering embrace. When a semblance of calm prevailed, she said, “I’m going to lie down. Will you please come to our room when you’re done with the others? Or are you going back to work?”
“No, I’m staying here. I’ll be there as soon as we’re done.”
Later he explained the new cards and packages began arriving to the estate mid-July. The first was a congratulations card about a baby. Sometimes they were flowers, sometimes presents. The notes were always addressed to Claire Nichols Rawls and the sources of origin would range from the west to east coast. Even the font changed on the cards. The benign contents made it difficult to involve the authorities, but the recent change in text now had the police’s attention.
During the first week of September, Tony needed to take a ten day trip to Europe. He asked Claire to join him again and again. Her growing anxiety caused by the spontaneous deliveries made Claire question every decision. She didn’t know if it was safer to stay within the gates without Tony or to be with him overseas. She chose the familiarity of the estate.
The first attempt to unlawfully enter the estate occurred three days after Tony left. Though initially concealed from Claire, when she finally learned the details, she learned Clay thwarted the failed attempt. No perpetrator was caught, but, thankfully, a possible threat was adverted, and a previously unknown kink in their security was identified.
The next incident occurred as Clay drove Claire back to the estate one warm afternoon. Keeping her gaze toward the tinted window, the changing leaves of the vast countryside went unnoticed as Claire’s mind reviewed her busy day. They’d traveled early to Iowa City where Clay escorted her to her doctor’s appointment. She thought wistfully about the doctor’s words. If she and Tony chose, with the assistance of an ultrasound at her next appointment, they could learn the gender of their baby. Claire smiled wondering if they wanted to know. Yes, they occasionally joked about their green-eyed daughter, but did she want to know? One thing was for sure, if the answer was yes, she didn’t want to attend that appointment without him.
As often happened, especially with the increased flutterings she felt, Claire realized her hand was protectively shielding her growing baby. She thought about the maternity clothes she’d purchased before meeting Courtney for a delicious lunch. The press would be all over that, but hiding her pregnancy was becoming impossible. Without even considering a desire to drive, Claire’s eyes closed to her favorite pregnancy side-effect: her afternoon nap.
Feeling the change in acceleration, Claire was jarred awake. By the time she focused, she saw the car to their left. Like the car in which she rode, the windows were too dark to see through. Clay held fast as the other car bumped and pushed against the side panels of Tony’s prized Mercedes. If the roads had been wet or snowy, the outcome may have been different. Thankfully, the roads were clear. By the time Clay pulled over, the other car disappeared over a hill and Claire’s breathing was shallow and her heart rate accelerated. The other car didn’t have a license plate.
“Are you all right, ma’am?” Clay asked as he removed the cellphone from his pocket.
“Yes, please get me home.”
He spoke softly into his phone as he eased the car back onto the road. When she entered the mansion she went quietly to their suite and collapsed on the large bed. Would this ever end? Would her baby ever be safe? She’d tried to call Tony. Her mind spun with what-ifs as his phone went straight to voicemail. What time was it in Europe? She couldn’t think.
Claire was almost asleep when the knock came on the suite door. With puffy eyes and an aching head, she managed, “Come in.”
Catherine entered, “I just heard what happened. Are you all right? Should we call your doctor?”
“I’m fine,” though the anguish in her voice revealed otherwise.
Catherine approached the bed. “Can I help?”
“I don’t think anyone can help. I’ve tried to reach Tony, but I keep getting his voicemail.” Claire shook her head. “It feels the same -- although I know it’s different.”