Consequences

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