Consequences

12:11. She started to wonder what was happening at home, Would he be looking for her or sending someone else to look? All Claire could do now was drive and think. She loved him but the constant pressure was wearing on her. She just needed a break.
    Taking the bypass around Davenport, she decided to go south on 74, away from NYC . At 3:30 she passed Peoria, Illinois. The emptiness in her stomach reminded her that she hadn’t stopped since she left the estate. She desperately needed a restroom and some food. In the distance she spotted golden arches. French fries sounded wonderful. She hadn’t eaten fast food in almost two years. Claire turned the wheel and eased into the McDonald’s parking lot. Contemplating her order she realized she didn’t have money. Oh well, the restroom was free.
    If she had planned this excursion, she would have grabbed a coat and her purse. More than likely Tony had her ID and credit card, but for appearances she usually had cash in her wallet. The overpowering aroma of fries lingered on her clothes as she got back into the car. Wondering about money, she saw her wedding rings. Of course, she wore hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry. She just needed to sell some. How does one sell jewelry? And where?
    Back on the interstate Claire decided to take 155 South to 55. That wasn’t a good decision, 155 traveled slowly. When she finally reached 55 the signs said to Springfield and to St. Louis . It had been so long since she actually made decisions. She was lightheaded with independence or perhaps hunger.
    Time passed. The sun started to fade and dusk loomed on the horizon. The loss of sunlight produced a similar effect on Claire’s mind. Her lightheadedness dissolved into reality. She knew without a doubt she needed to turn around. Tony would be upset and there would be a punishment, a consequence for this action. But she couldn’t keep going. First she needed cash. Second, what would the press say? Tony wouldn’t be happy if her leaving became public. Trepidation filled every ounce of her being as she watched for a place to turn around. There was another exit two miles ahead according to the sign.
    Suddenly, questions swirled through her mind. Is there enough gas to get home? What will Tony do? Whatever punishment he chose, she decided, she deserved. She’d been impulsive and broken his rules. The small break was exhilarating, but it was time to face the consequences. There wasn’t another choice. If she had her cell phone she would call and tell him that she was on her way home. She would beg his forgiveness and plead temporary impulsive stupidity.
    Lost in thought, she didn’t see the flashing lights until they were directly behind her. Once she noticed them, she assumed they would pass. She wasn’t speeding. But the police car didn’t pass. Did Tony send them after her? How did they find her? Pulling over she remembered the GPS. Had she really thought she could go unmonitored? She appeared casual as the policeman approached her window.
    “Ma’am, please show me your registration, proof of insurance, and driver’s license.”
    “Officer, I believe I left my purse at home by mistake. I can show you the registration and proof of insurance.” She handed him the documents from the glove compartment.
    “Ma’am, your name please?” the officer asked while reading the registration and insurance card.
    “My name . . . my name is Claire, Claire Rawlings.”
    Handing her back the registration and insurance card, he said, “Ma’am, I need you to get out of your car.”
    Claire didn’t want to. She wanted to get home, she’d made her decision. She knew she needed to get back soon. “Officer, was I speeding?”
    “Ma’am, get out of the car, now.” The policeman stared at her but mumbled into his shoulder.
    “Officer, I’m in a hurry. I don’t have my purse, but I do have this watch. Perhaps your wife would like a very nice diamond watch.” She was desperate to return to Iowa and to Tony, but not in a police car.
    Retrieving his gun from its holster, the police officer repeated his demand, “Mrs. Rawlings, I need you to get out of the car and keep your hands where I can see them.” Holding his gun in one hand he leaned toward her door. “Unlock your door. I will open it. Let me see your hands.” Claire couldn’t believe this was happening. She just wanted a moment of freedom and this policeman was treating her like a criminal. Had Tony accused her of