He immediately went to Claire’s bedside, “Well, I seem to have that effect on all of your family.”

Claire’s eyebrows rose, “All? Did you see John again?”

“Briefly, he’s in the lounge down the hall.”

Wrinkling her nose in anticipation, “Did you two speak?”

“No.” Tony grinned, “I’m pretty sure if you ever decide to accept the ring I offered, he won’t give you away – again.”

Claire sat taller, “I’m not anyone’s to give away. And I don’t care any longer what others think.”

“Does that mean...” His brown eyes twinkled as he lifted her hand. When she smiled in response, she winced at the pain near her swollen eye. Tony’s voice hardened, “I wish that ass hole were still alive, so I could kill him.”

She rested her head against the pillows and closed her eyes to the pain. “It means ... we’re dating.”

Looking around the small room, Tony whispered jokingly, “This hardly seems public.”

Claire’s eyes sprang open. “I need to contact Meredith. I don’t want her to misconstrue this and think it means she can publish her book, but my phone is at the condo.”

Tony removed his iPhone from his pocket. “I have her number.”

Claire eyed him suspiciously, “How do you have her number? And now that I’m thinking about it, how did you have Harry’s?”

He looked down, “Before I answer, you must admit the information was useful.”

“Yes, I admit that. How?”

He handed her his phone with Meredith Banks on the screen. “You just need to hit call.”

“I know how to use a phone, thank you.” She waited. She remembered how Tony didn’t like asking the same question more than once. She knew the feeling and continued to stare.

“The night of the gala I copied your contacts.”

Claire shook her head and hit call. While she spoke to Meredith another orderly entered her room with another bouquet of flowers. Tony accepted the arrangement and sat it on the large window ledge. He reached for the card and began to carry it to Claire. Suddenly, he stopped. Claire watched as he opened the envelope and the color drained from his face. She wondered if it were from Harry.

“Thank you, Meredith, our agreement is still intact.” “Yes, I’m fine.” “This had nothing to do with Tony.” “I need to go.” “Thank you, good-bye.” She disconnected the call. “Tony what is it?”

He hesitated. “I’ll be back in a minute.” He started to leave her room with the card.

“No, you don’t.” Her voice rose. “Show me that card.”

When he turned toward her, his expression was scarier than she’d seen in years. “Claire, you and our baby do not need to be concerned. I’ll find out who is responsible for this, and by the way, we are talking to your doctor about a referral for Iowa City. You are moving home as soon as you’re released.”

She didn’t want to argue. It wasn’t just his expression, the darkness of his eyes, or the determined tone. She saw fear masked under his sudden fury. “Tony,” she spoke softly. “Please let me see the card. I’m not arguing. I need to know what I need to do to protect our baby.”

Slowly he walked toward her. His furrowed brow and intense glare revealed his conflicting emotions.

Claire pleaded, “I know you want to protect me, but you have to let me protect me.”

He handed her the card and she read the envelope: Claire Nichols Rawls. The air left her lungs. She opened the envelope and read the note:

I hear you are well. Now there’s
another body to add to the count.

“What does that mean?” She asked, as the fear she felt Sunday night returned.

“I don’t know. I know it means you’re coming home with me.”

Claire nodded.

Trouble is part of your life. If you don't share it,
you don't give the person who loves you
a chance to love you enough.
- Dinah Shore

Chapter 54

Late Wednesday afternoon Dr. Sizemore released Claire from the hospital and gave her a referral to Iowa City. Tony wanted to drive her directly to the airport; however, Claire convinced him to take her back to her condominium and pack some of her things. She didn’t know if her trip to Iowa was for a week, a month, or forever.

Entering her bedroom, the sight of her things strewn across the room and drawers emptied all over the floor... paralyzed her movement. Her knees weakened as Tony’s strong embrace steadied her. Together they worked to right the mess.

When they finally had her room almost in order, building security called. There was a package waiting downstairs for Claire. They wanted to confirm her presence before bringing it to her unit. Leaving Tony in her room, she went to the door and greeted the security guard with the potted plant. It wasn’t the same man who saved her. But everyone within 365 Forest Avenue knew what had transpired.

“Ms. Nichols, we’re all so glad you’re safe.”

“Thank you, I am.”

“Here’s your delivery. Obviously, lots of people are worried about you.” The young man handed her the plastic wrapped arrangement and scanned the envelope. “This is you, right?”

Claire read the card: Claire Nichols Rawls.

Feeling suddenly faint, she called for Tony. He immediately appeared by her side, took the card, saw the name, and rudely ordered, “Take this away”.