Convicted (Consequences)

authorize kidnapping—I know from experience that it’s an effective means of relocation.”
    Phil lowered his voice. “Speaking of which, is that the only reason you don’t want me to leave?”—he hesitated—“Are you and Rawlings...all right? I mean, if I leave, are you safe?”
    Claire’s shoulders relaxed. She hadn’t been sure where he was going with his question. “Yes, Phil, we’re good. I’ll be fine. I worry about you out there—especially with her.”
    “I’ve handled worse adversaries.”
    “I’m curious to know what she wants.”
    “So am I,” Phil admitted. “She wanted you gone from Iowa. She wanted you to get the money and disappear. I accomplished both of her goals. Maybe I’ve proven myself worthy. If that’s the case, I could possibly learn more valuable information.”
    Claire smiled. “You’ve proven yourself very worthy. If you go, will you do one thing?”
    “I don’t know.”
    “Will you stay working for me? I don’t care if she’s paying you too. I want to know you have our best interest at heart.”
    “Claire, it doesn’t take a financial obligation to verify that commitment.”
    She reached over and squeezed his hand. “Thank you...I don’t say that enough.”
    “You say it too much. Now, how are we bringing this up to Rawlings?”
    Laying back with her hands on her midsection, Claire sighed. “I’ll do it. I’ll tell him that you told me about the messages and that my instincts tell me that you should go to Iowa and infiltrate the wicked witch’s castle”—Removing her sunglasses, Claire peered at Phil—“Just promise me that you’ll watch out for those flying monkeys! They’ve always given me the creeps.”
     
     
    Later that day, after lunch, Claire and Tony were alone in the living room when Claire approached the subject of Phil’s departure.
    “Whose idea was this?”
    Claire stood taller. “It was his, but I like it.”
    “You like it? Claire, you don’t seem to understand how this employer/employee relationship works.”
    She didn’t like his tone. “Excuse me?”
    “I’m not sure I trust him”—Tony’s dark eyes drank her in—“If you think you’re going to retain control of my money and the staff that my money bought, you need to start acting like the employer—not like a friend who sits to listen to everyone’s ideas.”
    “Why? I personally think it’s working for me.”
    His volume rose. “It isn’t working for you. Don’t you see how easily you can be manipulated?”
    “I’m not being manipulated.”
    Tony turned toward the open doors; she watched as the muscles in his neck flexed. Finally, his words came out louder than before, “Everyone can be manipulated. It’s most successful by people who’re closest to you. Claire, you let everyone get too close!”
    Claire tried to reign in the fire she felt growing in her eyes. “Tony, I trust Phil explicitly. I trusted him with my life and our child’s life.” She exhaled, softened her tone, and stepped toward her ex-husband. Taking his hands in hers, she said, “He brought you to me. I didn’t ask for that. It was his idea to go get you. Personally, I’m glad he has his own initiative.”
    “Initiative is fine. What about agenda?”
    “What would you like to know about my agenda?”
    They both turned to the sound of Phil’s voice. Tony’s neck straightened as his business tone emerged. “Excuse us; we’re having a private discussion.”
    Phil shrugged. “There are only five people on this island. I can guarantee all five could hear your discussion . I’d say—all things considered—it wasn’t private.”
    In the heat of the moment, Claire wasn’t sure if she wanted to laugh or hide. Most members of a staff would be smart enough, or respectful enough, to feign ignorance. Whether it was not hearing discussions or not noticing bruises, Tony was more accustom to a different type of employee. It was at that moment that Claire realized the difference. This staff wasn’t his —they were hers .
    Her mind went back to San Diego. Just now, when Phil entered the room, he did so, to do what he’d done that night at the hotel with his note—he’d entered to verify Claire’s safety. She knew Tony wasn’t accustomed to this behavior. She chuckled, thinking, poor Tony—his world is upside down, and said, “Despite the volume, we are having a discussion. Since it’s about you, I’d like you to join us.”
    Though Tony didn’t respond or rebuff her