Consequences

is until now, now that Rawlings and Nichols have been together. These two were first seen together in late May (see picture) at the Quad City Symphony not far from the large wooded estate of Anthony Rawlings. And since that time, they have been spotted by curious onlookers at various charity events, as well as taking on two of the nation’s biggest cities, New York (see picture) and Chicago (see picture).
    The question all eligible bachelorettes are asking, why Claire? What makes her the woman for a man like Anthony Rawlings? Perhaps it is her youth, her beauty, or her style. Obviously, from her college days to present, she has found her flair!
    While Claire would neither confirm nor deny that she and Anthony Rawlings were involved. She didn’t deny living in the Iowa City area. Could that address perhaps be the same as Mr. Rawlings’s?
    Social Security records indicate that Ms. Nichols’ only employment has been as a bartender since losing her job in 2009 at WKPZ in Atlanta, Georgia. WKPZ was purchased by TTT-TV, resulting in the layoff of many employees. Yet despite this loss of employment Ms. Nichols was seen shopping in Chicago at such stores as Saks Fifth Avenue, Anne Fontaine, Cartier, Giorgio Armani, and Louis Vuitton. It was also rumored that Ms. Nichols spent the better part of the day enjoying all the comforts money could buy at one of the most exclusive day spas in Chicago.
    Claire used to spend her days in Chicago (see picture) with many different men from Valparaiso University. Now it seems she is enjoying the better life with only one man. (see picture). The two of them walking arm in arm on their way to the theater. The performers will be happy to know that Claire and Anthony enjoyed the performance of “Wicked.”
    The final bit of evidence confirming their involvement came when Ms. Claire Nichols was ushered to the eighty-ninth floor of Trump Tower, the private city dwelling belonging to none other than Mr. Anthony Rawlings.
    Emily Vandersol, twenty-nine, sister and only living relative of Ms. Nichols was asked about her knowledge of Claire and Anthony’s relationship. Mrs. Vandersol informed Ms. Banks that she recently spoke to Claire and she sounded well. There hadn’t been any mention of Anthony Rawlings during their conversation. Mrs. Vandersol had no further comment.
    Sorry, ladies, it seems that Ms. Claire Nichols is holding on to Anthony Rawlings. What will she tell us about this private man? We are anxiously waiting to learn.
    Byline: Meredith Banks
    Claire held the papers even though she finished the article. She desperately searched for something to say, some explanation. Finally, she set the pages on the floor but she didn’t look up. She knew there was nothing to say. The article hadn’t revealed any information, although the sensational title alluded it would. Tony knew that, he flew all the way home. He obviously read the article multiple times.
    It was her in the picture. She was talking to Meredith. It wasn’t what it seemed, but in her head she could hear him, she could hear his voice. Now she could hear him getting up and walking toward her.
    “Appearances, Claire, how many times have I told you? Appearances mean everything. There is a picture right here of you sitting with her, the author. It doesn’t matter if what she writes is accurate, it is believable because she is seen talking to you.” He wasn’t yelling, he’d regained some control, yet the aura of rage remained. Claire didn’t want to look into his black eyes even though she could feel them staring at her.
    “Get up.” She knew that she should, but she didn’t move. She couldn’t, her body was paralyzed with fear. She had no defense and had disobeyed his rules. His volume increased, “Claire, get up!”
    The tears dripped off her nose. “Please, Tony,” she sobbed. “I am so sorry.” He lifted her by her arm. She felt helpless.
    His voice exuded wrath. “The entire way home I was praying that somehow this was another misunderstanding. You wouldn’t do this after I put my trust in you. But I knew if it wasn’t a misunderstanding there had to be consequences. There had to be a punishment for this blatant disregard for the most fundamental of rules.”
    She saw his hand move and instinctively veered to avoid another blow. The miss of her cheek infuriated him, his control gone, he swung again. His hand caught her pearl necklace. The fine chain proved no contest for Tony’s anger and power. The