Sitting the box in the corner of her cell, she began with the first item. Dated 1975, it was a copy of an old newspaper article that talked at length about Rawls Corporation, a privately owned company specializing in textiles. The owner, Nathaniel Rawls, was interviewed because Rawls Corporation was going public. It opened on the NYSE at fifty cents a share. In the first day, it had risen to eighty-nine cents a share. Claire didn’t understand the significance of this information. But Tony told her to read it all, so she did.

As she viewed the next item, she realized the significance. It was a magazine article from Newsweek, 1979. What caught her attention was the picture of a house, looking very similar to Tony’s. Standing in front of the house was a family. The caption read, “Nathaniel Rawls, wife Sharron, son Samuel, daughter-in-law Amanda, and grandson Anton.” The boy looked twelve to fourteen. Even at that age, she could see his dark eyes. The article expounded on the success of Rawls Corporation. A recent stock split confirmed what everyone was saying, this was an up-and-coming company. Nathaniel’s family enjoyed a lavish lifestyle brought on by his success. The Rawls family lived the American dream—they had it all.

The 1982 Time magazine article only had a picture of Nathaniel and was entitled, “Continued Success.” It quoted a lot of important investors stating the attributes of Rawls Corporation, which was now expanding its ventures with continued success, run mainly by Nathaniel, but also by his son Samuel. There was a quote from Nathaniel about grooming his grandson to take over one day.

The next was Newsweek 1986. It wasn’t just a story; it was the cover. In large letters, with a picture of a house of cards, it read “The House of Rawls Falls.” The story was short, considering that it had been a cover story. The gist of it explained that Rawls Corporation stock plummeted due to allegations of wrongdoing. The magazine couldn’t say too much due to an ongoing federal investigation. As investors pulled their money, the corporation was folding before their eyes. There was much more information in the following article from Newsweek but dated 1987. There was a picture of Nathaniel Rawls wearing prison garb entitled “Nathaniel Rawls Convicted.” Based on evidence from a two-year undercover FBI investigation and testimony, Mr. Rawls was convicted on multiple counts of insider trading, misappropriation of funds, price fixing, and securities fraud. The family’s assets were being sold at auction to help recoup investor loss. Distraught investors were quoted. “We lost everything, and it is good to see the entire family lose everything.” The Rawlses were living the high life, homes, vacations, and belongings. Now they have nothing.

A short newspaper clip dated 1989 indicated Nathanial Rawls dead at sixty-four. Mr. Rawls died after only twenty-two months in a minimum-security facility. The cause of death was a massive heart attack.

The buzzer rang. Claire didn’t want to stop reading. She thought she should grasp some revelation. But other than that Tony’s name had been Anton Rawls before Anthony Rawlings, she didn’t see it. She had to follow the rules, so she put the articles away and turned off her lights.

Her journey resumed the following morning after breakfast. Copies of court documents from New York State vs. Nathaniel Rawls were the next items in the box. Though lengthy, after time, Claire realized a few key testimonies aided in the conviction of Mr. Rawls: first from his son Samuel who had turned state’s witness, second from an undercover FBI agent embedded in the corporation for two years, and lastly a securities investigator. Accompanying these documents was a report stamped “Top Secret.” It gave the unreleased names of the strategic individuals: securities investigator Jonathon Burkes and FBI Agent Sherman Nichols, Claire’s grandfather.

Though warm in her temperature controlled cell, Claire felt a sudden shiver.

A newspaper article also dated 1989: Samuel and Amanda Rawls found dead in their rented Santa Monica bungalow, bodies discovered by their twenty-three-year-old son. Based on the evidence from the scene, it appeared to be a case of murder/suicide. Claire thought back, Tony had mentioned his parents’ death was an accident. That seems to be an all-encompassing word.

NYUNews, 1990 : Anthony Rawlings with Jonas Smithers starts a corporation. While completing their master’s degrees, they filed the necessary paperwork to start Company Smithers Rawlings, CSR. The article said the CSR wanted part of the Internet pie.

NewYorkTimes article, 1994: Anthony Rawlings buys out his friend and partner Jonas Smithers for 4 million dollars. CSR is now Rawlings Industries. The New York Times predicts it is on its way to being an Internet giant.

Newsweek, 1996: Rawlings Industries begins to diversify. Anthony Rawlings, determined to not have allhiseggsinonebasket, enters the realm of entertainment and transportation.

Time magazine, 2003: One of the men mentioned as a runner-up for Man of the Year, Anthony Rawlings. This designation came mainly because of his dedication to people evidenced by Rawlings Industries’ recognition as one of the top ten philanthropic companies in the USA. Mr. Rawlings is quoted, “I plan to spend my life and fortune looking for opportunities to amend my grandfather’s life. Every person is important.”

IndianapolisStarandNews, 2004: Obituary of Jordan and Shirley Nichols.

Claire felt ill as she read the accompanying article with a different mind-set from when she was a grieving child. It talked about the unfortunate accident that claimed their lives, about her father’s police service and full police honors as tribute, and her mother’s devotion to her family and teaching. The accident was caused by wet roads and newly fallen leaves. Photographs taken at the gravesite were clipped to the obituary with words written on the back of each. One of John embracing Emily, John and Emily written on the back; and another of Claire sitting alone, with Claire written on the back in handwriting she recognized. Words came back to her, “Because I wasn’t able to support you when your parents died . . . you had to go through your parents’ death alone. Emily had John but you didn’t have anyone.” With a sudden sickness she realized he’d been there.

ValparaisoUniversityNewsletter, 2005: During the time, Claire was a student. The picture showed Anthony holding a giant check for 5 million dollars. His donation to the university made more scholarships possible.

Again, the buzzer rang. Claire had to wait to continue this journey. She slowly understood that her encounter with Anthony Rawlings in March of 2010 was predestined.

The next items were more actual snapshots, pictures of John and Emily’s wedding. A few even zoomed in on Claire, wearing the ugly sea foam green maid-of-honor dress. Emily and John looked so young and happy, 2005 and Claire written in the familiar handwriting. She wondered, Was he there too?

AlbanyPost, 2006: Appointments to a local law firm. The second name listed was John Vandersol. The article discussed John both professionally and personally. Another 2006 article, “Rawlings Industries Continues to Diversify,” discussed the continued success of any venture Anthony Rawlings put his mind to. Rawlings had now decided to broaden into television with the recent purchase of TTT-TV.