Convicted (Consequences)

water and maybe some fruit?”
    “Thank you, that sounds wonderful.” Turning to return to her suite, Claire said, “I’m not sure where Phil is.”
    “He is with Francis, Madame el.”
    “When he returns, can you please show him to one of the other bedrooms?”
    Madeline agreed and promised to bring Claire some water and a snack soon. Once Claire was back in her private suite, she decided to investigate her surroundings a little further. The attached bathroom was modern and bright with a skylight above a large, sunken tub. There were two other doors she hadn’t yet opened. The first one led to a small, private office. Nodding approvingly, Claire knew it would make a perfect little nursery. Fleetingly, thoughts of the nursery in Iowa came to mind; instead of compartmentalizing them away, she stared at the office and imagined it filled with a crib and changing table—the new thoughts overpowered the old. Her cheeks rose as she focused on her future.
    The next door led to a closet, only slightly smaller than the office/nursery. The clothes she’d ordered filled the drawers and hung from the racks. Slipping off her heels, Claire fingered the soft fabric of the sundresses and contemplated changing out of her traveling clothes. She also considered a relaxing soak in the big tub when she smiled. The realization gave her a sense of peace she’d been missing for too long. She was doing it—she was adapting to this new normal.
    Her epiphany, Madeline and Francis’s friendly greeting, and Phil’s unrelenting support, all worked together to bring happiness back to her life. When the knock came on her door, Claire called, “Come in, Madeline.”
    The door opened, and Phil answered, “I’m not Madeline.”
    Seeing the golden flecks in his green eyes, Claire thought about Madeline’s assessment. She didn’t know if it were true; she didn’t see love in Phil’s eyes—she saw concern. Wanting him to know how delighted she was about the island and all he’d done, her voice brimmed with excitement. “You’re right! I love everything about it!”
    Phil exhaled. “I’m glad to hear that. What do you think about Francis and Madeline?”
    “I don’t know for sure, but I think I like them.”
    “Good, so do you think you can stay here?”
    Claire grinned. “I do. What were you doing with Francis?”
    Phil explained that Francis showed him around the outside of the estate. There’s a boat at Claire’s disposal—any time she wants to travel into town, Francis will accompany her. There’s also access to a helicopter or plane in case of emergencies.
    Claire sat on the edge of her bed. “Well, I hope they won’t be necessary; however, I want to schedule a doctor’s appointment for a check-up.”
    “Talk to Madeline; she can help with that. Remember, there’s a real doctor in town.”
    “I think this’ll work. Thank you so much—for everything.”
    Phil nodded. “You’re welcome, Claire. It seems my job is done here...”
    Her new-found contentment evaporated with his declaration. Suddenly, the remoteness of the island filled her with angst. “You’re leaving?” she asked. “But—I—I just asked Madeline to show you to one of the other rooms.”
    “She did, and it’s great, but if you’re happy and safe, I don’t think I should—”
    Tears teetered on the edge of Claire’s eyes as she stood and asked, “Will I be able to contact you?”
    “Is that what you want?”
    What did she want? Claire knew she didn’t want what Phil wanted, or at least what Madeline said he wanted; nevertheless, she didn’t want him to go. The way she’d introduced him to Madeline and Francis was accurate; Phil was her friend . She trusted him, and she wanted him around. For most of the last year, he had been. Even before she really knew him, he was there—watching—protecting—a constant in her world of change. Claire blinked her eyes, and the teetering tears slid down her cheeks. “I want to have people around me that I can trust. I don’t know Madeline or Francis—not yet.”
    “I did a thorough background check. They’re very transparent, so what you see is what you have.”
    Claire nodded.
    “I have another job waiting.”
    Claire’s neck stiffened. “I understand; you’re tired of babysitting.”
    “Claire, I asked the pilot to wait. I think this is best.”
    “Thank you. Thank you for protecting me, getting me here—for everything.” She wanted to reach out and hug him; however, she