Truth

know. I will assume you have a good reason for not answering but will call me back immediately. Shelly just called. I expect you remember she’s my publicist. We need to talk . If I do not hear from you by noon, my time, I am boarding a jet and heading to you. The choice is yours.”
    Claire didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath, until the voicemail ended. Finally she exhaled. Looking to the screen she saw the time, 9:57. She tried to remember the time difference. Shit, three minutes . Why did everyone want to talk ? That word no longer held a positive connotation.
    Claire stepped from the line and indicated for the next patron to progress toward the counter. She wasn’t surprised Tony called her iPhone. She knew once she and Emily started communicating through it, it’d be easy prey. Honestly, at that moment she was happy he had. If he’d left this message on her other phone, she probably wouldn’t have heard it until he was already in California.
    Claire dialed Tony’s number, while simultaneously sifting her emotions. Fear was among the top contenders; she wasn’t stupid. Nonetheless, it held a mild third to determination and revenge. She’d made up her mind. When she thought Harry was the victim of Tony’s consequence, Claire knew, he had to be brought down. His power needed to be lessened. She admitted having erotic thoughts about her ex-husband, along with thoughts of lust and perhaps -- love. Nonetheless, if he could table his love to fulfill his agenda of revenge, she could do the same.
    Regulating her breathing, Claire listened to the ring of his private line.
    On the third ring she heard the same voice, less menacing than the one on the message, yet still irritated, “My, Claire, you do like to cut it close, don’t you?”
    “ I just turned on my telephone. I hope I caught you before you made an unnecessary trip.”
    “ I don’t make unnecessary trips.”
    “ Please enlighten me. What did Shelly tell you that has you so worked up?”
    She heard his grin, “ Worked up ? My dear, you have no idea.”
    “ I would argue, but I’m on a schedule. Could you please tell me why I called, so I can continue with my agenda?”
    “ Of course, I’m sure your schedule is excessively hectic.” He paused, emphasizing his sarcasm. “Meredith Banks? Really Claire, haven’t you made that mistake before?” Though his tone was deceptively lighter, his words sent chills down her spine.
    She waved the next person to the counter. The retraction wasn’t scheduled to be released until tomorrow. Why was Claire even surprised he’d already seen it? “If you’d read the release, it states I actually didn’t make that mistake before. Which I believe I told you. And yes, I remember the accident resulting from your misconception.”
    “ Are you trying to push me?”
    “ No. I’d be more direct if that were my goal. I’m trying to tell the world the truth. I’ve read numerous false accounts and believe it’s time to set the record straight.”
    “ Know my legal team will stop anything, including this retraction from ever seeing the light of day. You are wasting your time.”
    “ Funny, I remember telling you the same thing -- recently.”
    “ I warned you not to disappoint me. I recommend you reconsider your actions.”
    “ I need to go. I’m in the middle of something. As always, it has been a pleasure.”
    As Claire moved the phone from her ear to hit end , she heard him reply, “Not as much as last time.” Touching end , she wondered what exactly he meant by that.
     
    As Anthony Rawlings ended the call with his ex-wife, he noticed the small symbol indicating an email. Despite the fact he had an untold number of people paused on a web-conference, he swiped the icon. Within the list of unread emails he saw one from Phillip Roach, dated today, received 10:23:04 this morning. Tony must have overlooked it earlier. He touched the screen and the document came into view.
     
    To: Mr. Anthony Rawlings
    Date: May 9, 2013
    Subject: Ms. Nichols
    From: Phillip Roach
    Mr. Rawlings it seems Ms. Nichols booked a flight early this morning for San Diego. She left San Francisco at 08:12:00, PT. Her flight is scheduled to arrive in San Diego 09:43:00. I have confirmation of her hotel booking at the US Grant on Broadway. I could not manage a seat on Ms. Nichols’ flight. I am however scheduled to arrive at 11:17:00. As soon as I learn more, I will forward the information to you.
     
    Smiling, Tony