Consequences

present, and always sexual, but he was busy with work and often preoccupied. That was understandable. He was a successful man with many fires to tend.
    It was his need for complete supremacy over every aspect of her life that felt stifling and unbearable. Claire theorized that this was the cause of the suffocation that usually accompanied her nightmares. He had companies, peoples’ jobs and livelihoods on his list of responsibilities. The fact that he controlled her comings, goings, e-mails, hair, and often attire seemed ridiculous.
    Attempting to stop the rise in blood pressure, she reminded herself that no matter what, she loved him. He could infuriate her one moment, making her feel less than human. And the next, he could make her feel like the world spun only because she mattered to him. It was just that those two contradictory emotions could come too close together and in any order. As Claire reminisced she recognized that similar to a year ago, her mood, liberties, and sense of self-worth seemed to have a common denominator, Anthony Rawlings.
    As that realization struck, he rolled toward her, wrapped her in his arms; and though still sleeping, murmured, “My love, you’re so cold. Come closer.” She melted against his warm chest. At this moment in time, he made her feel safe and loved. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.
    As the spring blossomed into summer, their biggest source of dissension continued to be her family. Though she loved to hear from Emily, seeing her name on an e-mail made her stomach turn. It almost always came accompanied by dark penetrating eyes. She would sometimes choose to have Patricia reply instead of herself. There were days and circumstances when the communication wasn’t worth the conflict. It depended on Emily’s words, some motivated Claire’s determination more than others. Her calls with Emily were always monitored. It was a reality she didn’t dispute. If she did, it would result in loss of all communication. He didn’t need to spell that out for her. She knew it as well as she knew that her freedoms lay vulnerable to his whims.
    Since the call following the interview, Claire spoke with Emily about every three to four weeks. She heard from Emily at least once a week via e-mail. After Claire had her own e-mail address, Emily’s notes were more informative. Claire would hand-write her response. It was then approved and sent by Patricia. If Emily questioned Claire’s ability to do anything, she would profess her freedoms as Tony evaluated every word.
    That same Tony was the one that surprised Claire with the long weekend at Lake Tahoe. And over Memorial Day weekend he arranged for a getaway to San Francisco. While there they met Eli and MaryAnn for dinner at an exclusive nightclub with a glorious view of the bay and bridge. The next day, after a romantic drive down Highway One in a leased convertible, they strolled hand in hand on the beach at Big Sur. The force and spray of the waves pounding the huge rocks along the ocean shore astonished Claire. It wasn’t like the Gulf of Mexico or even the tranquil waters of Fiji. Instead, it reminded her of the beach scenes in movies. During these excursions he made her feel like a star. Their final day in San Francisco they went sightseeing, no trip to Alcatraz was planned or even discussed.
    He also had a two-week business trip to Europe planned for the end of July. This time he wanted her with him. Uncharacteristically he asked her to help make the sightseeing plans. They would visit Italy, Switzerland, and France. He had meetings but promised free time for his wife. Claire spent hours in their library looking at books on destinations, museums, and points of interest. The Internet would have been easier but she found incredible pictures and information in the resource books.
    The work with the Red Cross slowed. Their calendar was planned and their goal set. It was now a matter of implementation. Courtney had other members on her committee. They divided the events: Claire was chairman of a silent auction scheduled for October. She drafted letters requesting donations, and Patricia sent them out to prominent associates of Mr. Rawlings. The letters requested donations from Mrs. Anthony Rawlings . Tony had already brought many positive responses home. Claire secured a ballroom in Bettendorf, where the auction would be held simultaneously with a wine-tasting event. She even arranged for the wine and catering to be donated,