Courtney continued, “Claire, you’re a saint for loving him despite all of that. Please, never think you deserved any of it. No one should endure what that brief says you endured.” Courtney shook her head, “The thing I keep thinking is -- I really believed he loved you. I believed you loved him too. As his friends, we worried about a woman wanting him for his money. I never got that feeling from you.”
“I wish I could explain it.” Claire replied, “Hell -- I wish I could explain it to myself. When I met him, I didn’t know who he was. Even after he took me to his house, I didn’t know who he was. Believe me, I hated him. I told him how much I hated him, multiple times. Maybe it was the isolation; I didn’t have contact with anyone but him. Yet, overtime I did love him, or I thought I loved him. And, he did get better, a lot better.” Claire smiled a sad smile. “I think it’s true. Love and hate are very close emotions, both intense and consuming. Even after he left me in jail, and still today, I find myself struggling with those two emotions.” Claire shook her head. “I know it doesn’t make sense. It’s just that when he was good, he could be so good. When he wasn’t… It was just... there was always so much stress and pressure.” Claire thought about Brent. “I think you do understand. I think if anyone would, it would be Brent and you. I’ve seen that same stress on Brent’s face.”
Courtney nodded, “I’m glad you believe me. We wanted to help you. We weren’t sure it would pay-off. Honey, it wasn’t throwing away our money. It was more than worth it!”
Claire sat straight. Her mouth gaped with surprise. Finally words came from her lips, “Oh my god, it was you?” Courtney nodded again. “Of course, the petition was filled out. An attorney would know how to do that. Brent’s an attorney.” Claire’s voice sounded shrill with amazement and gratitude. “Let me pay you back. I can now. I sold the jewelry.”
“No. Consider it guilt money. We were so helpless, wanting to do anything to stop what was happening to you -- like you said, it was a risk -- a good risk that paid off.”
Claire hugged her again. “So it’s true, Brent does believe me.”
“I said he did.”
“Yes, I know you said... but he really does. It’s just when he came to the prison…”
Courtney interrupted, “Tony warned him. He said the tapes from those visitors’ rooms were available for a price. He told Brent the visit was strictly business.”
“Did Tony ever watch the video?”
Courtney smiled, “I don’t know. Brent hoped he would.”
“Why?”
“Because, when Brent came home he was so impressed by you. He didn’t know what to expect and didn’t want to face you.”
“He didn’t have a choice, did he?”
“No, he didn’t. Yet, afterwards he was glad he went. He talked about your strength, resilience, and determination. I don’t know if you remember, but you told him to tell Tony to bring on the liable case, that you’d be glad to testify to a larger audience.” Claire grinned and nodded, she’d said that. “Of course, Tony wouldn’t tell Brent what warranted such a case, but Brent knew. He also knew – there was no way Tony would pursue it. It was some stupid mind game. Honestly, we don’t know if it was meant to hurt you or Brent, but I can tell you, it inspired Brent.”
“Inspired?” Claire asked.
“Yes, we knew before then we wanted to distance ourselves and Caleb from Rawlings Industries. Seeing your strength, being away from him – in prison no less -- has been a constant reminder to us to stay the course.”
“I’m glad. I remember feeling bad for Brent when he left.” Claire’s eyes were drying. She couldn’t believe she had this support – from Tony’s closest friends.
The two ladies went to the pool and ate lunch. They lounged on chairs at the beach and sipped drinks. They walked along the shore and talked about everything. Claire even told Courtney about her mixed feelings regarding Tony. She hated what he did. Nevertheless, sometimes she’d remember good times and miss him too. Claire knew he wanted to see her and the idea terrified her. She wasn’t afraid of a physical threat; she was doing everything she could do to avoid a repeat of that history. Honestly, it was her own resolve she questioned. If the charming, loving, friendly Tony approached her – she wasn’t sure she could resist him.
Claire told Courtney about the dinner invitation. Surprisingly, Courtney didn’t try to dissuade her. A few weeks ago a similar subject caused an argument with Amber. Claire reasoned; Courtney knows Tony and truly understands.
During the course of the four days Claire told Courtney all about Tony’s box, his confession of sorts. She hadn’t planned to divulge, but sharing felt too liberating. She explained why Tony came for her in the first place, all stemming from her grandfather’s help convicting his grandfather for multiple white collar crimes. “It’s like everyone connected to the scenario thirty years ago and their family has been made to pay, even Tony’s parents.”
“Do you think he hurt his own parents?”
“I did at first. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but now I’m not sure. I think he had some influence over my parent’s death or maybe it was coincidental?”