Convicted (Consequences)

level and the movie room. As she searched the menu of hundreds—if not thousands of titles—she thought about the couple upstairs, the Vandersols. Marie explained that they were Ms. Nichols’ family, and since her disappearance was still unsolved, they wanted to retrieve some of her things. Truthfully, they were polite enough during lunch, but Sophia couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something happening below the surface. For one thing, they didn’t refer to Marie as Marie; instead, they called her Catherine . Spending a few hours in the theater would allow the Vandersols and Marie, or Catherine, some privacy. It was the least she could do for Marie after all she’d done for her.
     

     
    Tony never thought much about Eric. He just was—he always had been. From Tony’s first million, Eric was by his side. In all those years, they’d never sat down and had a heart to heart. He’d never asked Eric about his personal life. Did he even have one? Yet Eric knew Tony’s deepest darkest secrets. Not only did he know, he’d participated, without question, without hesitation—just like a good trustworthy employee. It was true, Eric was paid exceptionally well for his loyalty; however, as Tony and Phil waited in the shadows of an old country church, with the van safely stashed along a side road, Tony wondered if Eric’s devotion had a price—one that could be bought by someone else.
    Phil had made his price known from the beginning. Yes, Tony understood Phil changed allegiances from Catherine for more than money. Tony would be an idiot not to see the man’s devotion to Claire; however, Tony acknowledged that while Phil was unsuccessful at stopping Patrick Chester in California—for weeks on end, he’d kept Claire safe in Europe. Tony also knew that if this were a trap with the FBI waiting—Phil would continue to devote himself to keeping Claire free from harm. Anyone capable of doing that was worth their weight in gold.
    Things with Eric were different. Over the years, his responsibilities morphed and grew with Tony’s expectations. Not once, no matter the directive, could Tony remember Eric disappointing him . Had he ever told Eric he appreciated all he did? Tony couldn’t remember that either. After all, men don’t discuss their feelings regarding one another. More than that—Tony had never given gratitude much thought. Eric had a job—he did it. When everything goes down and Tony turns states evidence, he would not take Eric with him. Most of his activities were done without Eric’s knowledge, and when he was required to participate—it was coerced and done under duress. If asked—that was the story Tony planned to maintain.
    Now, as he watched the dark limousine come into view, Tony wondered if his devotion was truly reciprocated. Could Eric have been bought out? Could Tony and Phil be walking into a trap? They needed to be prepared. Tony leaned toward Phil and whispered, “I’ve changed my mind.”
    Phil’s normal facade cracked. “You came all this way, and you’re not going through with this?”
    “No,” Tony corrected. “When we get to the estate, I want you to go with Eric to the command center of the house. I want you to verify what cameras are working and that the house is free of feds. I also want you to stay with Eric to be sure my encounter is being recorded. Maybe I can get Catherine to talk.”
    The limousine was now rolling to a stop. Tony didn’t need to voice his possible concern of insubordination. Phil understood the hidden meaning. No one person could be trusted. This new plan would assure them of Eric’s honesty.
    Watching Eric get out of the car, Tony hoped that he was only being paranoid. After all, he and Eric had been through a lot; nonetheless, when Eric opened the back compartment, Tony glanced at Phil who nodded in return and touched his side. Tony nodded. Phil had a gun and was willing to use it.
    As Tony stepped passed Eric, he realized how genuinely glad he was to see him. Perhaps life on the run had made him suspicious. Tony patted Eric’s shoulder and said, “Good to see you, my man.”
    With a tip of his head, Eric responded, “And you too, Mr. Rawlings.” It was as if Tony had been gone on a business meeting, not hiding on the other side of the world.
    Once the car moved, Tony began, “Tell us what’s happening at the estate.”
    “Ms. London is preoccupied with her guests. I’m sure, taking the car out for maintenance wasn’t one of