Claire dialed Tony’s number, while simultaneously sifting her emotions. Fear was among the top contenders; she wasn’t stupid. Nonetheless, it held a mild third to determination and revenge. She’d made up her mind. When she thought Harry was the victim of Tony’s consequence, Claire knew, he had to be brought down. His power needed to be lessened. She admitted having erotic thoughts about her ex-husband, along with thoughts of lust and perhaps -- love. Nonetheless, if he could table his love to fulfill his agenda of revenge, she could do the same.

Regulating her breathing, Claire listened to the ring of his private line.

On the third ring she heard the same voice, less menacing than the one on the message, yet still irritated, “My, Claire, you do like to cut it close, don’t you?”

“I just turned on my telephone. I hope I caught you before you made an unnecessary trip.”

“I don’t make unnecessary trips.”

“Please enlighten me. What did Shelly tell you that has you so worked up?”

She heard his grin, “Worked up? My dear, you have no idea.”

“I would argue, but I’m on a schedule. Could you please tell me why I called, so I can continue with my agenda?”

“Of course, I’m sure your schedule is excessively hectic.” He paused, emphasizing his sarcasm. “Meredith Banks? Really Claire, haven’t you made that mistake before?” Though his tone was deceptively lighter, his words sent chills down her spine.

She waved the next person to the counter. The retraction wasn’t scheduled to be released until tomorrow. Why was Claire even surprised he’d already seen it? “If you’d read the release, it states I actually didn’t make that mistake before. Which I believe I told you. And yes, I remember the accident resulting from your misconception.”

“Are you trying to push me?”

“No. I’d be more direct if that were my goal. I’m trying to tell the world the truth. I’ve read numerous false accounts and believe it’s time to set the record straight.”

“Know my legal team will stop anything, including this retraction from ever seeing the light of day. You are wasting your time.”

“Funny, I remember telling you the same thing -- recently.”

“I warned you not to disappoint me. I recommend you reconsider your actions.”

“I need to go. I’m in the middle of something. As always, it has been a pleasure.”

As Claire moved the phone from her ear to hit end, she heard him reply, “Not as much as last time.” Touching end, she wondered what exactly he meant by that.

As Anthony Rawlings ended the call with his ex-wife, he noticed the small symbol indicating an email. Despite the fact he had an untold number of people paused on a web-conference, he swiped the icon. Within the list of unread emails he saw one from Phillip Roach, dated today, received 10:23:04 this morning. Tony must have overlooked it earlier. He touched the screen and the document came into view.

To: Mr. Anthony Rawlings

Date: May 9, 2013

Subject: Ms. Nichols

From: Phillip Roach

Mr. Rawlings it seems Ms. Nichols booked a flight early this morning for San Diego. She left San Francisco at 08:12:00, PT. Her flight is scheduled to arrive in San Diego 09:43:00. I have confirmation of her hotel booking at the US Grant on Broadway. I could not manage a seat on Ms. Nichols’ flight. I am however scheduled to arrive at 11:17:00. As soon as I learn more, I will forward the information to you.

Smiling, Tony realized Claire did return his call as soon as she could. He immediately replied to Phillip Roach.

To: Phillip Roach

Date: May 9, 2013

Subject: Ms. Nichols

From: Anthony Rawlings

Check to see if a reporter named Meredith Banks is staying at the same hotel or even in San Diego. I have reason to believe the two are meeting. I want to know if my suspicion can be confirmed. Contact me immediately upon learning this information, or any other. AR

Tony knew Phil Roach wouldn’t receive his email until his plane landed in San Diego. He could wait, looking at his watch, another hour and a half.

Suddenly, realizing he had other things to do, Anthony Rawlings resumed his seat and hit the enter button on his computer. He was once again visible to seventy-two finance officers at various Rawlings’ subsidiaries. The web-conference resumed and Mr. Rawlings performed perfectly, despite the fact his mind was elsewhere. While discussing profit strategies, he held his iPhone out of camera range and sent a text to his driver, Eric.

IT SEEMS AS THOUGH I NEED TO TRAVEL TO SAN DIEGO. PREPARE TO PICK ME UP AT 2:30. HAVE THE JET READY FOR FLIGHT.

The next text went to his secretary, Patricia. CANCEL MY APPOINTMENTS THIS AFTERNOON AND TOMORROW. I MUST MAKE AN EMERGENCY TRIP TO SAN DIEGO. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM HAVE TIM OR BRENT HANDLE IT.

All the while, he never missed a question or hesitated with a response. The web-conference progressed without a flaw.

Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls;
the most massive characters are seared with scars.
- Kahlil Gibran

Chapter 23

Tension permeated from every corner of Claire’s luxurious hotel suite when she allowed Meredith entry. However, like vapors over warm water, the warmth of an old friendship soon rose above the cool, edgy, businesslike atmosphere. Wisp by wisp the strain evaporated and Claire and Meredith’s old relationship prevailed. This first evening was about overcoming their past and becoming reacquainted. Although it was never said, they both knew their future partnership depended upon it.