Convicted (Consequences)

are you utilizing federal manpower to locate her?”
    “I can’t exactly divulge that information at this time.” Shifting slightly in his chair, Harry added, “To be honest, I shouldn’t even be divulging my position. It’s that we, the FBI, learned of your plans to check-out of Hotel Danieli tomorrow. After locating Claire, we don’t want to lose her again.”
    Phil sat straighter. “I don’t believe that’s your choice. We’re leaving.”
    “All I’m asking is that you”—his blue eyes softened with his plea—“Claire, remain in contact with me. I’d like to know your location and that you’re safe.”
    Phil interjected, “She has been and will continue to be safe . Maybe the FBI should worry about things like terrorists and leave private citizens like Ms. Nichols alone.”
    Ignoring Phil, Harry urged, “Please listen”—he leaned forward—“You and I—we—Claire—I’m worried about you. There’s reason to believe”—Harry shifted in his chair—“ We have reason to believe that Rawlings will be looking for you. Currently, his resources are limited. We know that; however, there are rumors that Rawlings has funds outside the United States. If he accesses those funds, we can assume”—his icy blue eyes turned to Phil—“despite your best efforts, Mr. Roach, that Rawlings will locate Claire.”
    Claire concentrated on her hands lying calmly in her lap. She didn’t want to make eye contact with either man; both knew her too well. When the silence became palpable, Claire took a deep breath, looked up, and green met blue. “So, Harry, did my sister send you?”
    “No,” he answered truthfully. “She is worried and rightfully so. Claire, I wish you acted more concerned about Rawlings.”
    “Did you receive help from your law enforcement friends?”
    “Yes, but they are FBI, not California—”
    “Were you ever employed by the California Bureau of Investigation?”
    Harry looked down. “At one time.”
    “SiJo—were you ever employed by SiJo?”
    Harry’s eyes met hers. “Yes, and I knew Simon; he wasn’t only my sister’s fiancé, he was my friend. This case has meaning to me!”
    Claire’s jumble of emotions steadied. She knew Phil’s presence helped; nevertheless, she also realized she was once again facing someone who had lied to her on more than one occasion—someone she’d trusted. With her voice rising an octave, Claire asked, “Tell us, what else have you lied to me about in the past seven or eight months? I’m very curious. What about us ? Was that a lie too? Was there any meaning there?”
    Harry looked from Claire to Phil and back. “Claire”—Harry’s voice calmed—“perhaps this is something we could discuss in private?”
    Placing her hand again on Phil’s arm, she replied, “I don’t intend to have that, or any other discussion with you in private. Please leave.”
    “You’re in danger. You know that. The FBI wants to help you. Don’t be stupid and trust the wrong people.”
    Claire stood. “Hmm”—straightening her shoulders and feeling the fire flash in her eyes, she replied—“Yes, I’ve definitely been stupid ”—emphasizing his word—“in the past. I believe I’m finally learning from my mistakes. Goodbye, Agent Baldwin.”
    Harry took a step toward her. “Claire.”
    Phil quickly moved between them.
    Harry continued speaking, “Listen to me—I didn’t call you stupid. It’s just that you have a blind spot when it comes to Rawlings. Even after everything he’s done.” Harry spoke quickly, “What I mean is that you never would have left, like you did, if there wasn’t some part of you who still feared him.” When Claire started to turn away, Harry reached for her hand. “Just give it some thought. Seriously, I don’t blame you for being upset with me, but I never kidnapped you, raped you, hurt—”
    Claire interrupted and pulled her hand free, “No, you didn’t, but you weren’t honest with me either! You misled me into believing you were someone you’re not. At least Tony was honest with who he was.”
    “Really? Was he honest when he said his name was Anthony Rawlings or Anton Rawls?”
    The intensity of Claire’s eyes grew with each word. “ Anthony Rawlings is his legal name. That isn’t, nor was it, a lie; however, I have yet to be assured of your legal name.” When Agent Baldwin failed to respond, Claire continued, “I will repeat—Tony has changed, and he isn’t the person who I’m running