Consequences

to me three times a day.”
    “That is all very nice,” Anthony said with a hint of sarcasm. “But what have you discovered about your situation? Do you even know where you are?” His expression was confident as if only he held the answers to her questions.
    Claire contemplated her response. Should she be honest and tell him she learned Iowa City from the Weather Channel? What if that resulted in loss of TV stations, she might not know what day it is. Then again, if she lied and said she didn’t know and he caught her in a lie, what would happen? Maintaining an air of confidence, she said, “I am in Iowa, or at least somewhere near Iowa City.”
    Gripping the arm of the sofa with his right hand, Claire saw his muscles tense. “And you learned this from whom?” Each word became more exaggerated as he spoke.
    “I learned it from the Weather Channel, Local on the Eights . The local weather for this area comes from Iowa City, Iowa.” Claire continued to sound as lighthearted as possible.
    Anthony’s body relaxed, and he nodded his head in approval. “Very well, that will spare me telling you that information.” Claire wanted to ask how she got there. “For the sake of clarity, since that seemed to be a problem in the past, you are aware that your indebtedness to me can only be determined paid by me?”
    Claire swallowed. This is what she anticipated, smiling she nodded her head yes.
    His voice strong and authoritative. “I prefer verbal confirmation.”
    “I am aware that you are the only one who can decide when my debt is paid in full.” Even Claire was surprised by the calmness of her voice. She said a silent prayer that he wouldn’t notice her hands balled into fists with her nails biting into her own palms. If she concentrated, she could remember how to relax her hands. But at this moment, her concentration was needed elsewhere.
    “You are also aware that your duties require you to be available to me whenever, wherever, and however I demand?” His eyes never faltered from her, yet his body language looked relaxed, arrogant. He was a man willing to push Claire to the brink. It was like watching a poker game, pushing the odds. Would there be a payoff? Or would someone blink?
    “I am aware.”
    “You are aware that you must at all times obey my rules?” Anthony’s eyes penetrated.
    “I am aware that I must do as I am told.” The words hurt her throat but sounded easily spoken. She was not going to let him fluster her. And damn, she didn’t need that skin on her palms anyway. Her smile remained steady and undaunted.
    Anthony remained silent for an extended period of time, watching Claire. Finally, he spoke. “Very well.” He stood. Claire expected some kind of directive. Instead, he walked toward the door.
    “Wait.” She proclaimed. He turned to look at her. His expression showed astonishment at her command. She immediately realized her words overstepped her bounds, but she couldn’t go on locked alone in the suite. Her tone softened. “I am sorry, but may I leave this suite?”
    “As long as we are certain on the terms of our agreement and you follow the rules and orders given, I see no problem with you roaming the house.” He reached for the door handle. “It is rather large. I will be working from home tomorrow. Your services will be utilized then, so be prepared for my call. When I have a chance, I will give you a tour of the house and define your limitations. I think it is best that you do not roam tonight. I do not want you getting lost.” He started to leave. She heard the beep as he reached for the handle.
    “Anthony? I don’t have any . . . duties tonight?” Her voice began to fail her. She sounded less like the strong, lighthearted woman she desperately tried to project and more like a child.
    “I have recently arrived from a series of meetings in Europe and am quite tired. I am glad to know we have a mutual understanding. Good night, Claire.”
    “Good night, Anthony.” He shut the door. She heard the beep and the lock.
    Her thoughts swirled. He has been in Europe! I have been locked in here while he was on another continent! Okay, focus, the door will be open tomorrow. I engaged in a conversation, the first one in almost two weeks. He didn’t say anything about my appearance. All that work and not a word. Perhaps compliments aren’t his style, only criticism. That was all right, because tomorrow I am leaving this suite. And leaving the suite is one step closer