“Brent?”

“Yes.” She held her breath, unsure what to say. Brent continued. “Courtney’s home safe.”

Claire’s mind spun. She wanted to trust him; after all, according to Courtney he was also responsible for her freedom and was too a victim of Tony. Claire knew that. She’d witnessed their interaction. “I’m glad.” She swallowed and continued, “Brent ... thank you.”

“Please don’t thank me. I’ve done much more to hurt you, than help you.”

She heard the anguish in his voice. “Just tell me, of all the things you’ve done, which ones did you want to do?”

“I wanted to help you. I never wanted to hurt you, even before I read the preliminary brief. It’s just that sometimes I had no…”

Claire stopped him, “I understand.” She inhaled and continued, “You know that though -- don’t you?”

“I do. And, we understand you.”

Her entire body filled with warmth. She’d known this man for less than three years. Her ex-husband claimed him as his best friend, and he’d endured much of the same domination as Claire. She couldn’t suppress her smile as tears trickled down her cheeks. “I offered to pay Courtney back. I can now.”

“She told me. I agree with her. Please, keep your money. Watching and listening to Tony’s response when he learned of your unorthodox release, seeing him unable to control or influence the situation, more than made it worth every penny.”

“If there is anything I can do for either of you…”

“Actually, there is...” The two continued their conversation for almost an hour. Brent wanted to know all about Tony’s box. The information fascinated him. He also asked about the information she’d learned from their detective work. Brent vowed to do what he could from his end. He also explained the things he’d done to hurt Claire: the divorce with no financial compensation, his attitude when he visited her in prison, hiring a private detective to find her, and supporting Tony along the way.

Claire reassured Brent, she understood. He didn’t have a choice and she appreciated his current clandestine support. Fearfully, Claire asked Brent a question she’d contemplated of and on again for a while, “Is Jane Allyson all right? I mean, has Tony done anything to her?” Claire’s heart skipped a beat as her question met silence.

Finally, he answered, “She is, for now.”

“Can you please elaborate?”

“When we left her office, Tony voiced his displeasure.” Claire nodded, although Brent couldn’t possibly see her from Iowa. He went on, “I’ve tried on numerous occasions to remind him, if something would suddenly happen to her up-and-coming career, immediately following your petition for pardon, it would appear suspicious.”

Claire smiled; Brent knew the game. Tony’s kryptonite was indeed appearance. Claire replied, “I don’t want her to pay because she helped me.”

“I put her in that position. I promise I’ve done all I can to protect her.” Brent replied, then he chuckled. “She knew what she was doing when she did it. That’s why I chose her. She is one tough lady and a great attorney! You should’ve heard her when we went to her office.”

“I bet. She’s the only one, in a room full of males, who stood up to Tony, at the jail in Iowa.”

“Other than you.”

Claire stammered, “I... me... I didn’t stand up to him. I never did.”

“That isn’t true. You never would’ve survived if he didn’t consider you a challenge. He truly thought you’d take the insanity plea.”

“Well, the fact I didn’t, probably confirms, I am insane.”

Brent laughed. “That’s why you and Courtney get along so well.”

He went on to tell her about Phillip Roach, the private detective who’s been watching her for the last month, sending photos and information to Tony. Brent wasn’t privy to all the information, but Tony’s attitude regarding Claire seemed to be changing. Brent assessed, he’s no longer upset; obsessed would be a better word.

Brent assured Claire she’d successfully lost the private detective during the last week. “If Tony knew you and Cort were together I would have heard. I even called Mr. Roach once to confirm my theory. He was rather allusive about the past four days and promised more information in the future.” Claire heard the smile in Brent’s voice, “It’s all making Tony a little crazy.”

“Have you met this Phillip Roach? What does he look like?” Claire asked.

The clock read 7:23 PM. Originally, Claire planned a quiet evening with room service. Her TV had an attached gaming system, and she’d contemplated practicing her skills in anticipation of another gaming session with Harry. However, finishing her make-up, stepping into the Marc Jacobs white silk sundress, and fastening her Prada sandals, she mentally reviewed her new plan.

'Charm' - which means the power to affect work without employing brute force,
is indispensable to women. Charm is a woman's strength
just as strength is a man's charm.
- Henry Ellis

Chapter 13

The final slam of the cottage door muffled Sophia’s sigh. On the other side of the wooden barrier was their home, life, and private haven. With a turn of the bolt and the closing of heavy shutters on creaky hinges, she’d successfully closed it tight --storing everything away for a season.