If a relationship is to evolve, it must go through a series of endings.

—Lisa Moriyama

Tony paced the length of his office. Although his decision was set, he couldn’t shake the conflicted feeling that nagged deep inside of him. He told himself that this was a test—only a test. He’d presented Claire with more tests than he could count, and when she passed this one, everything could continue as it had been. Would she pass? Tony knew in his heart that this wasn’t the same as other tests he’d created; this was bigger and potentially life changing. It wasn’t a test: it was her final examination—the fulfillment of a personal deal he’d made a lifetime ago. It started out as an idea, a seed, and like things do, it grew.

Twenty-two months ago, when he brought Claire to his home, Tony didn’t know what to expect. He never in a million years planned to have feelings for her—she was the enemy, a Nichols. In hindsight, Catherine had seen and warned him. She knew his interest in Claire was more than that of curiosity. That being said, Tony fought those feelings with all he had. He’d never admit it to anyone, but in a significant way, Claire was his biggest success and his biggest failure. He’d brought her to Iowa to pay the penance of her family’s sins, but during her sentence she’d won him over. Oh, he’d changed her, but she’d changed him, too. He was no longer her warden but her husband. In essence, she’d derailed his plans.

Unlike any other failure, and he’d had very few, Tony didn’t mind. He enjoyed her—more than enjoyed, he craved her. She fulfilled a part of him he’d never known existed, yet despite all the ways he’d changed her, he knew that she was still a Nichols. She acted, dressed, and looked different, but was it real? After all, deep down, she was still the same woman who he’d acquired. It was a reality he couldn’t shake. Maybe it was the way the subject snuck into conversations. Catherine would say something like, I saw the photos of the two of you in the magazine. Claire is doing so well, and you two truly make a handsome couple. Sometimes I forget that she’s a Nichols.

It would be at times like that when Tony would remember the little seed that had been planted decades ago—the seed which grew tall and deep and reminded him that a Nichols helped to condemn his grandfather to twenty-two months in prison. That time period resonated in Tony’s psyche. Twenty-two months—the length of time that Nathaniel Rawls lost to the state of New York for sins that were saddled on him by Sherman Nichols and Jonathon Burke. With that time period in mind, Claire’s sentence was almost up. Originally, it had been the time period Tony had hoped to keep Claire. He and Catherine had even discussed what would happen to her once it was all over.

Since the very beginning, Catherine had reminded him that Tony needed to stay cognizant of his public persona. If Claire failed, Tony needed to be prepared to distance himself. If he couldn’t, there was only one option. That option may have been viable two years ago, but it wasn’t something Tony would entertain now. Claire’s accident had been too traumatic. He refused to consider her enduring anything worse; nevertheless, the groundwork had been laid for the option of public disgrace.

From Tony’s perspective, the decision was hers. The only way that Claire would be publicly disgraced was if she failed the test he was about to present. If she passed, the time period of her sentence would pass and life would go on. Taking a stiff drink of Johnnie Walker Scotch, Tony reassured himself that Claire would pass. She’d been presented with the option of freedom once, the night he proposed, and she willingly surrendered her liberties to him. Standing near the highboy, Tony poured himself another two fingers—maybe three—of scotch when he heard his office door open.

“Anton, it’s late. Why are you still up?”

He didn’t turn around; instead, he glanced at his watch—2:14 AM. He had no idea it was that late. “I’m thinking.”

“Where’s Claire?” Catherine asked.

“Bed.” He spun around. “Where would you expect her to be at this hour?”

“She’s in your suite, isn’t she? You left her alone in there?”

“What’s the matter, Catherine? No videos for you tonight?”

Catherine shook her head and sat on the leather sofa. “Anton, you’re upset. Are you worried?”

He lifted one finger in her direction and went to his desk. After a few moments and a few codes, he stood and faced his oldest colleague. “No, I’m not worried. I have total confidence in my wife. Tomorrow night you and I’ll be discussing how she followed my rules, once again.”

“I believe you’re right. So, why are you doing this?” Her shoulders sagged. “Why are you forcing her to jump through another hoop?” With more determination, she stood and faced him. “Claire loves you and you love her. Let that be enough. There are other Nichols who can pay. Look what you’ve done to John.” Her eyes glistened. “Oh, Anton, that was brilliant.”

Tony exhaled and collapsed on the chair near the sofa. “That had its own perks, but it was also a step of this test. Don’t you understand? Now John can’t help her—so much for his proclamation of undying devotion. He and Emily are a little busy at the moment.”

“I do! I understand, and the Simmonses? They’re still out of the country. Right?”

He studied Catherine’s expression. “Right. Why would that matter? They’re my friends. Brent works for me.”