Claire only received two visitors since her arrest. The first was in Iowa City before she gave her plea and was transferred to the correctional institution. Following a guard, she found her best friend waiting. Courtney was in Fiji during Claire’s arrest and came as soon as they returned. Visibly distraught as Claire was escorted by a guard, Courtney apologized to Claire for not being a better friend. If she had pursued her concerns more, perhaps Claire wouldn’t have felt the need to resort to such drastic measures to get away from Tony. Claire assured her, “I did not try to kill Tony. Please don’t believe everything you hear or see. Remember Tony’s regard for appearances. Many times, things are not as they seem.” Courtney said she understood and would try to help her, but . . . Brent, his job . . . Claire hadn’t heard from her since. Honestly, she understood.

The only other visitor since her incarceration was Emily. Claire knew that the trip to Mitchellville, Iowa was difficult for her. When Emily had time to travel she would visit John in New York.

Now Claire curiously followed the guard down the halls and through multiple gates, each one locking, unlocking, and making the electronic beep sound. Wearing her prison clothes she entered a room to find Brent Simmons. It had been so long she momentarily thought she was seeing a friend visit a friend. Brent’s expression instantaneously changed her mind. Claire sat where the guard indicated. The guard then stepped from the room, leaving Brent and Claire alone.

She knew this was business, but he was her friend. She couldn’t stop herself. “Brent, how are you? How is Courtney? When is Caleb’s wedding?”

Stone faced and sober, Brent replied, “Ms. Nichols, I have been instructed to inform you of an impending civil suit in which you will be named the defendant.”

Creating an equally professional persona Claire responded, “Okay. Thank you for informing me, may I ask the grounds for this suit?”

“My client has reason to believe that you have spoken slander against him. This defamation of his character is being considered a ploy to damage his personal and professional reputation.” Brent said what was needed, with the demeanor necessary, but his thoughts were elsewhere. Claire looked different from what he expected. It wasn’t just her hair and the clothes, she had confidence and strength. These qualities had never been evident before. He recalled seeing her for the first time on Tony’s plane to New York. She looked nervous and insecure, yet tried to appear otherwise. Now after almost six months, three in a federal penitentiary, Claire seemed independent and strong. He knew it wasn’t where she’d been, but where she hadn’t. She hadn’t been under the gaze of the black eyes. Just like actual black holes they sucked strength, confidence, and assurance out of anyone close enough to be pulled into their orbit.

Carefully considering Brent’s words, Claire laughed and replied, “Thank you, Mr. Simmons. I am very concerned that your client will want my allegations made public, as would happen in such a suit.”

“Ms. Nichols, damage to my client’s professional reputation could result in a loss of income. A civil suit is meant to subsidize that loss of income.”

Smiling, she said, “And of course I have the necessary capital to subsidize your client’s income.”

“It is my responsibility to inform you that such a suit is under consideration and if filed you could be found liable.” Brent stood to leave.

“Brent, can you please talk with me for a minute?” The defeated look of his eyes said no. Brent was just north of fifty but his face looked much older. There were lines and definite circles under his sad eyes. He continued to gather his belongings. “Mr. Simmons?” They made eye contact. “Your wife told me one time that life is not a daily test. She said perfection is not always necessary. I want you to know that I know. I know better than anyone else, today you just passed a test.” She saw the change in his eyes, they glistened with a minuscule amount of moisture and he ever so slightly nodded his head in agreement. He started toward the door. “Mr. Simmons, two more things.” He stopped, she sounded so confident. “Should the subject come up for discussion, I welcome the suit. It will give me the opportunity to make my allegations again, perhaps to a larger forum.” He nodded with a knowing smile. She was right. Tony would never risk that exposure. “And the other thing, I truly love and miss your wife. If she cares, please tell her I really am fine. More fine than I used to be.”

“Thank you, Ms. Nichols. You have been notified.”

“Yes, Mr. Simmons, I have. Thank you.” He knocked and the guard opened the door. He left. The guard took Claire back to her cell. Walking through the halls, through the various locked gates, Claire couldn’t help feeling sorry for Brent. His prison was more of a hell than hers.

About three weeks later she received a short note in the mail. The return address was a PO box in Chicago, she didn’t recognize the name. But the note filled Claire with love and support. It wasn’t much, but it was something. To Claire, that was a lot!

I care. I’m glad. I’m sorry. I miss you too, and I hope to be able to do more. I love you! Cort

Claire kept the note and read it daily. Over time more notes arrived. Sue and Tim had a healthy baby boy. Caleb and Julia’s wedding will be in June of 2013, little bits of information always signed with love.

  You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best

thatyouhavetogive. —Eleanor Roosevelt

 Chapter 52

When the package arrived in October of 2012, Claire assumed it was from Emily. After all, it had her return address on the label. However, when she opened the box, she knew otherwise. It contained old magazines, newspaper clippings or photocopied clippings, and some photographs. Everything in the box was meticulously organized in chronological order. The first item was a note, not signed but it didn’t need to be.

  Consider this information perhaps the only act of complete honesty I have ever shown you. I didn’t need to do this, but I chose to educate you some more. Hopefully you will understand that you were but a piece of the puzzle. All behaviors, good or bad, have consequences, and even the truth can’t fight appearances.   As I assume you have plenty of time available to you, read it all. You will find it enlightening. In another life, under different circumstances, it may have been different. You taught me much, I believe you learned some lessons too.   PS I told you once that your appropriate responses benefited you. The consequence could not be improved, but you did have a positive effect on the actions, for that we should both be thankful. I am.