“Mrs. Burke, I’ve been trying to reach you.”

“I’m rather busy this evening, Mr. George. What can I do for you?”

“The mystery buyer, he wants to meet with both of us... tonight.”

Sophia collapsed against the wall, allowing her shoulders the relief of a sturdy anchor. “Tonight? I’m with my husband at a very important event. I can’t leave.”

Mr. George continued undeterred, “He’s at the Saint Regis Hotel in San Francisco and wants both of us there in fifteen minutes. Maybe I can pacify him until you arrive.”

Sophia looked toward a group of waiters with wheeled carts and stacks of covered plates. “Mr. George, I’m at the Saint Regis. Where are we supposed to meet?”

“Consigner’s desk, before 8 PM.”

She looked at her delicate watch, 7:46 PM, and asked, “Will you be here in time?”

“Yes, I’m in a cab as we speak. I’ve been trying to reach you for over a half an hour.”

“I’ll be there.” Sophia disconnected her call and gathered her nerve. She needed to explain to Derek; she’d only be gone from the festivities for a very short time. Seriously, what luck the buyer wanted to meet at this hotel?

*****

Though the large hand which held hers radiated warmth, the unyielding grip was not intended to be misconstrued as comfort. It was undeniably a warning. Tony made it clear; Claire would again follow his rules. Magnanimous as ever, he kindly reminded her of the most important ones: do as I say, public failure is not an option, and be the perfect companion.

Tonight’s duties required obeying all three. In order to assure SiJo Gaming’s complete recovery from its current troubles, Claire must attend the National Center for Learning Disabilities Gala as Anthony Rawlings’ companion. The silk wrap covering her shoulders failed to keep the trembling at bay. Claire stared at their perfect reflections upon the mirrored door of the private golden Penthouse elevator. With each floor of their descent, her mind reeled with this new reality.

Perhaps, someday she’d learn to expect the unexpected, and his actions wouldn’t shock her. Yet, as was their history, whenever Anthony Rawlings was in Claire’s life, so was the potential for abrupt change. Remembering the past hour, she bowed to the reality of her new paradigm.

In their figurative game of chess, Anthony Rawlings had Claire in check. Every move she made, he countered. When she wanted their dinner to be public, he made it private. When she wanted to surprise him at a public event, he chose to make it the stage for their refound allegiance.

*****

After Claire regained her composure in the St. Regis Penthouse, Tony ordered crackers and cheese to the suite. While Claire ate and sipped a soda, Tony asked for her purse. Although, she didn’t want to relinquish it, the recent change of events and his familiar domineering demeanor left her momentarily unable to resist. In a matter of minutes her world had returned to his control.

Taking her elegant black clutch, Tony removed her iPhone, turned it off and placed it in the breast pocket of his silk shirt. Then he methodically unzipped and searched each compartment of the bag.

Finally Claire asked, “What are you looking for?”

“Your work phone.”

“It isn’t here. I left it in my condo.” That statement was true in all aspects, except that it wasn’t a work phone, but Claire’s only communication with Courtney.

“As you may remember, while at a function such as this, your attention should be on me and your duties at hand. I believe tonight you’re representing SiJo Gaming.” Despite the recent snack, hearing Tony say Simon’s company made Claire’s stomach twist. His tone and expression hardened, “As well as representing it to the masses downstairs, your behavior will go a long way in solving their current situation, or...” he paused, “making it public.”

Claire nodded, then remembering his propensity for verbal responses she replied, “I understand.”

“I am glad you do. You’ll get your phone back when this evening is done. I believe you’ll have enough on your plate, you don’t need another distraction.”

Next he handed her a printed page. Compartmentalized memories of previous news articles flooded her consciousness. Never had a similar situation been favorable. There was the Meredith Bank’s article and the information regarding Simon’s death. Tonight’s information wasn’t as dramatic, but the aftershocks could be. Claire’s hands trembled as she took the page from his hand.

“What is this?” she asked.

“It’s a news release. My press secretary released it moments before you arrived to the penthouse.” Smiling he added, “I just saw a text from Shelly; it’s already viral.”

Her stomach twisted, hearing the same word Meredith used regarding him. Move, countermove, the game continued. Claire focused on the page before her.

Associated Press May 24, 2013

Mr. Anthony Rawlings, CEO of Rawlings Industries, asks the public for patience at this difficult time. He believes two years ago he and the world were deceived. Despite circumstances and appearances, he is now convinced his ex-wife, Claire Nichols (Rawlings), is innocent regarding her unfortunate accusation of attempted murder.

This realization came to Mr. Rawlings through a series of personal and private encounters with Ms. Nichols. Listening to instinct and following his heart, a combination of resources which have successfully helped to create his global empire, Mr. Rawlings is now certain of Ms. Nichols innocence.