“Mr. Evergreen.” Tony forced himself to look at the prosecutor as they shook hands. Every instinct in his body wanted to look at his wife. Feeling the green of her eyes penetrating his facade, he pushed on. “I appreciate everyone’s concern for my safety. I’ll repeat 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.”
Marcus nodded and turned toward his team. Immediately, they began to move their chairs and stand. Claire’s counsel whispered to one another and then to Claire. Next, Paul Task stood to meet Tony chest to chest. It was almost comical. Tony tried not to smile as Mr. Task stuttered, “M-Mr. Rawlings, I-I’ll need to confirm that Judge Reynolds has indeed approved this visit. In situations such as this—”
Grinning, Tony reached into his jacket and passed a paper to Claire’s frightened attorney. “Of course, Mr. Task. I would have expected no less. Here’s the good judge’s written approval.”
Tony tried not to notice Paul Task’s shaking hands as he took the paper and began to read. Once he was done, Tony smugly nodded as Claire’s attorney turned toward her and confirmed, “Mrs. Rawlings, it appears to be in order.”
As most of the room’s occupants began to leave, Claire’s co-counsel sat unmoving. Tony’s gaze centered on the woman to Claire’s right. Finally, Jane rose and met Tony’s eyes. “Mr. Rawlings.”
“Ms. Allyson.” They nodded.
“Mr. Rawlings, this is unexpected. I’d like to speak to our client for a few moments and determine her desire regarding this meeting. If you’d please step into the hall with Mr. Evergreen and his team, Mr. Task and I will discuss this new situation with Mrs. Rawlings.” Who the hell did this woman think she was? Tony started to respond, but Jane continued, “And then if Mrs. Rawlings agrees to your meeting, it may proceed under her conditions.”
Before Tony could speak, Marcus placed his hand on Tony’s arm and nodded. Tony turned toward Claire. This woman thought that she could stop him? He didn’t need words, not with Claire. He wanted Claire to know that soon they’d be speaking, it wasn’t open for debate. When he saw her expression, Tony’s cheeks rose and his grin grew. She understood his unspoken promise. He turned back to her co-counsel. Accommodatingly, he said, “Why of course, Ms. Allyson,” and stepped from the small room.
Once in the hallway, Marcus looked him in the eye and took a step backward. “I’m sorry, Mr. Rawlings, this is highly unusual. Ms. Allyson is—”
Tony squared his shoulders and smiled affirmatively. “—doing her job. I respect that, but as I’ve stated, I’m not frightened of my wife. I believe she was merely overwhelmed.”
Marcus looked at his colleagues and then back to Tony.
Tony had everyone’s attention. “You see, I’ve given this a lot of thought. Despite the evidence, I don’t believe my wife wanted to kill me. The doctor said that the dose was wrong, and she’s too intelligent for that. I’m a busy man. Perhaps it was nothing more than a cry for help.”
“Mr. Rawlings, the state of Iowa—”
Tony put his hand on Marcus’s shoulder. “The state of Iowa has done a remarkable job building a case. You’ve said that she’s remained mostly silent. Is that still the case?”
Marcus nodded.
“Very well, I’ve had my attorneys working on this case day and night.”
“But … it isn’t up to your attorneys.” Marcus answered, somewhat puzzled.
“No, it isn’t. However, if …” Tony turned to address the entire group, “… if my wife pleads insanity—we can call it temporary. If my wife pleads temporary insanity and the state accepts that plea, I believe she’ll receive the treatment she needs and deserves. Mrs. Rawlings isn’t a criminal: she’s ill. I want her to get the best care possible.”
Marcus looked confused. “But, we have a solid case.”
“I’m sure you do. I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt your career, or any of your careers, to add this gem to your résumé. I can assure you though, that supporting the insanity defense, keeping this out of court, and allowing my wife to enter a private treatment facility, will also benefit your careers. You have my word.”
Tony glanced toward the small window and saw Jane Allyson talking as Claire nodded. He wanted in that damn room.
“You realize,” Marcus said, “it isn’t enough for her to plead insanity. It must be clinically verified.”
Tony grinned. “Yes, Marcus, I realize that. I have a plethora of psychiatrists ready to evaluate her.”
“We have state-appointed—”
Before he could finish, Tony said, “I have their names, and I can assure you, they’re on my list.”
“It’s customary for the courts to determine the amount of time and treatment—”
The door opened and Paul Task and Jane Allyson stepped from the room, interrupting their discussion. “Mr. Rawlings,” Mr. Task said, “Mrs. Rawlings is ready to speak with you now.”
Tony’s smile broadened. “There are always exceptions, Marcus. I know this can be worked out.”
Marcus Evergreen nodded as Tony stepped from the hall to the room. Closing the door behind him, he stared at his wife. Her eyes watched his every move. He sat down across the table from her. Bravely, she reached out and said, “Tony, I’m so glad you are all right.” He took her petite hands in his and felt their coldness. For a moment he wanted to warm her, then she continued, “You know I’d never hurt you?”
He fought the red. She’d left him. Driven to St. Louis. Made a public laughingstock of their marriage! He tempered his tone. “My dear Claire, it certainly appears you did. You handed me the coffee. There was poison in the coffee.”
“You told me to get you coffee.” Although her voice was strong, he saw the tears that threatened to spill from her glistening eyes. She continued, “I’ve thought about it a million times. There must’ve been poison in the coffee already … or in the cream. I just don’t know. I don’t know who would do this. The only other people at home were staff—staff you’ve employed for years—but it should be on surveillance. You have cameras in the kitchen—”
He interrupted, “All evidence points to you. Then, there’s the way you ran to the car and drove away.”
Suddenly, the emerald was gone as she looked down at the table and mumbled, “I’m sorry.” She paused. Still looking at the table, she continued, “It was impulsive. I knew not to take one of the cars, but I saw the keys. I hadn’t had the opportunity in so long, the sky was so blue, and you’d been—well, life had been unpredictable. I felt like I was suffocating and just needed a reprieve, a small break. Honestly, Tony, I was about to turn around to come home. I wanted to be home—I want to be with you.”
He lifted her chin. “Claire, how are your accommodations?” His voice was low yet strong. “Consequences, appearances, I thought you’d learned your lessons better.”
“Tony, please take me home. I promise I’ll never disappoint you again. Please tell them you know I wouldn’t—couldn’t—do this.”
It was the pleading he wanted, and once she was in the mental facility, he’d allow her to expand upon her remorse. In the meantime, he needed to push forward.
Claire continued, “I know there’ll be consequences and punishment. I don’t care, as long as you’re all right. I just want to go home. Please, please, Tony, they’ll listen to you.”
He looked deep into her eyes. He’d trusted her and she’d failed him. He spoke softly, “The entire thing seems to be a colossal accident. However, I’ve done some research and it seems you can plead insanity and receive treatment instead of incarceration.”
She sprung from her chair and started to pace. “What are you saying? I’m not pleading insanity! That means guilty and crazy—I’m neither! And this wasn’t an accident. I didn’t try to kill you!”
He stood and moved very close. Looking down, he whispered, “Cla
ire, listen. I’ve found a mental hospital that is willing to accept you. I’ll pay the expenses so the taxpayers aren’t responsible for your lack of judgment.”
“I’ve been here for over a week. I’ve been questioned over and over. I haven’t divulged any private information. I’ve followed all the rules. The only rule I broke was driving a car. That’s it!”
She was too loud. He kept his voice low, trying to make her understand. “This plea will avoid a trial. The entire unfortunate incident is understandable. You came from a modest background. The life we shared had pressures and responsibilities—with entertaining, charities, and reporters. It’s understandable. You just couldn’t handle it.”
Claire sat. Tony walked to her and bent down to maintain eye contact. “I should’ve recognized the signs. Perhaps, I was too busy with work. When you recently canceled your charity obligations, I should’ve realized how overwhelmed you felt.” He fought the disappointment that fueled an unneeded rage. Although he tried to sound reassuring, authority prevailed in his tone. This was too important. Claire needed to listen to every word. It was what he’d done after her accident; he planted the seed and she obediently embedded its roots. He wanted the same outcome. Just as she’d responded to Dr. Leonard, he needed her to respond to her attorneys. “You wanted out, and in a moment of weakness—no, in a moment of insanity— you decided the only way out was to try to kill me. I’m only thankful that you underestimated the amount of poison needed or you may have succeeded. After all, if you’d succeeded, I wouldn’t be here to help you now.” He pulled out a chair and sat facing his wife. “Aren’t you glad I’m able to help you? And, Claire …” He leaned nearer. “… I hear the rooms at the mental facility are larger than the cells at the federal penitentiary.”
Tony expected a sign of recognition. He expected her to grab the lifeline he was throwing and hold on with both hands. It was a gift. She’d disappointed him—failed his test, publicly and privately—yet instead of walking away, he was offering her an out. This solution would help her and fulfill his need for control. Claire was his—her belongings, her portrait, and most importantly, her. He was angry. She had a long way to go to earn back his trust, but nonetheless, he was offering her an out. Claire needed to understand that he was helping her.
When she straightened her neck and met his eyes, he immediately realized—she wasn’t taking his offer. The fire he loved to see was burning a blaze brighter than he’d ever seen. Didn’t she understand? He loved that strength, but now wasn’t the time. Now she needed to redeem herself.
Tony stood in amazement of the defiance before him. He wouldn’t beg her! Damn her. This was crucial! He continued, disappointment audible in his tone, “Utilize the time you have to think this over. Don’t make another poor, impulsive decision. This is your best offer.” He knocked on the door. “Goodbye, Claire.”
She didn’t respond as he stepped back into the hall.
“Mr. Rawlings?” Marcus asked. “Is everything set?”
Counselor Allyson spoke, “This decision cannot be made without our input.”
Tony turned toward the outspoken attorney. “Then I suggest that you convince your client that she has been offered a gift, and she should take it.” With that, he nodded and walked down the hallway, leaving the group momentarily silent. The voice in his head cursed Claire’s independence and stubbornness, pushing Tony to walk faster and faster.
Damn her! Damn her! A reprieve? A small break? Claire had left him! And now she was being obstinate!
Tony reasoned that she just needed time to consider his offer. A grin emerged as he reached the door of the courthouse. Yes, time, that was what she needed, time alone to think.
It had worked before. It would work again.
Reputation is rarely proportioned to virtue.
—Saint Francis de Sales
“Mr. Rawlings, Mr. Evergreen is calling.” Patricia’s voice came through the speaker.
Tony turned away from the computer screen. “I’ll take it.”
“Yes, sir, I’ll send it through.”
It had been two days since Tony had visited the courthouse, two days since he’d given Claire the gift of an out. He knew she was upset at the time, but he had faith that her better judgment would eventually prevail. This was the first he’d heard from the prosecutor since that afternoon.
“Marcus, I assume you have some good news for me.”
Marcus Evergreen cleared his throat. “Um, not exactly, Mr. Rawlings.”
Tony’s grip tightened on the receiver, yet his tone remained affable. “Would you like to be more specific?”
“Can you come to my office?”
Tony contemplated his schedule. He’d already wasted too much of his time on this whole mess. “I just returned back to my work, and things are backed up. Are you sure this can’t be handled over the phone or by email?”
“Well, I think … see … I believe it would be in your best interest—”
“Marcus, spit it out. Time is money.”
“Mr. Rawlings, j-just moments ago, I received Paul Task’s preliminary brief. I haven’t had a chance to read the entire document. It’s quite long, but I’ve read enough—”
Tony interrupted, “Tell me that she’s taking my offer.”
“That’s the thing, sir. She isn’t. She’s made allegations …” Marcus continued to speak, but his words faded into the buzz of seeping crimson. “… why I thought you might prefer if I didn’t email this?”
“Marcus, I told you she was crazy. This is ridiculous!”
“Do you want me to email—”
“No! I don’t want you to email or show it to another soul! I’ll be there in less than thirty minutes.” Tony hung up the phone before Marcus could respond.
Tony contemplated his response to whatever was in Claire’s statement. As soon as Tony hung up with Marcus, he called for Eric. When he learned that Eric was at the estate, Patricia willingly offered her car. The entire drive, Tony’s mind was on Claire. What had she said? Would she really divulge private information? His leather gloves strained from the grip on the poor car’s steering wheel. He wouldn’t allow this information to go public. Hell, he didn’t even want his attorneys to be involved. Tony debated his options.
Taking a deep breath he entered the prosecutor’s office. It bustled with people—men and women in suits coming and going all different directions. Mr. Evergreen’s secretary, a young blonde woman with a nameplate that read Kirstin, stood at the ready. As soon as she saw Mr. Rawlings, she immediately escorted him to the unimpressive office. Marcus stood as Tony entered, and the two momentarily stared in silence. The frightened young lady took one last look at the two men and backed out quietly, shutting the door and allowing them their privacy.
Once alone, Marcus offered his hand and began somewhat sheepishly, “Thank you for hurrying over. I realize you have a very busy schedule.”
Tony shook the prosecutor’s hand and stared intently. “Tell me, who else has seen this testimony?”
“It isn’t really testimony. It wasn’t said under oath.” Marcus shook his head as he walked around his desk and motioned to a small table. “Please, have a seat. No one on my team has seen it. Only me.”
“On your team?” Tony asked, as he laid his overcoat on one chair and sat.
“Paul Task and Jane Allyson obviously took Mrs. Rawlings’ statement,” Marcus replied. “I don’t know who prepared the document.”
“Find out.”
Marcus nodded. “Mr. Rawlings, there’re some serious allegations. Legally this should be forwarded to—”
Tony sat back against the chair and squared his shoulders. “If you planned to do that, you wouldn’t have called me.”
“It’s just,” the prosecutor began, “I don’t want the mad ravings of an angry spouse to bring down the reputation of such an esteemed man, such as yourself.”
“Thank you, Marcus. I appreciate your candor and your discretion.”
“Would you like to
read what she’s said?” Marcus asked as he booted up his laptop.
Tony shook his head. “No … to be honest, I wouldn’t. It saddens me. I can’t imagine what she’s said, but it must be something terrible for you to have been this concerned.”
“It isn’t flattering,” Marcus admitted.
“I don’t want this made public.” Tony’s tone was not up for debate. “I don’t want anyone to know that the woman I married has become delusional and irrational.” Tony leaned forward. “I’m sure you’ve seen the media coverage. Let’s not add to the frenzy.”
“I totally understand. If only she’d have taken your offer—”
“Obviously,” Tony said, “another sign of her mental incompetency. I want you to do whatever it takes to keep this out of a courtroom.”
Marcus nodded. “Sir, some of these allegations seemed very farfetched. May I ask if your wife had access to others?”
Tony’s brows came together. “What kind of a question is that? This’s 2012—everyone has access to everyone.”
“Cell phone? Email?”
Tony nodded. “Yes,” he sounded puzzled, “doesn’t everyone?”
“May I have her number and email address?”
“Yes, of course. Whatever you need, I’ll be glad to provide. I’m sure you can find many things just by searching the media. They do seem to like to write about my wife’s latest purchases … or … hair color.” Tony looked down.
“Mr. Rawlings, I apologize. I’m sure this is extremely difficult. It’s that, we’ll be meeting with Mrs. Rawlings and her attorneys in the morning. The more prepared I am for this preexamination, the better chance we have of stopping this from going to full trial.”