Truth

reservations. It was there Phil wired her door and set up the necessary cameras.
    Now, watching the video feed, he saw his employer, dressed in casual khaki slacks and a button down shirt, waiting patiently for Ms. Nichols’ door to open. He glanced at his watch, almost ten thirty. Although Mr. Rawlings looked calm, Phil knew differently. Throughout the day and their multiple conversations, it was obvious Mr. Rawlings was not happy about whatever Claire was doing with Meredith Banks. Phillip Roach, seasoned private detective, knew he should turn off the video feed and stop watching, but he couldn’t. Claire Nichols was now his obsession, admittedly, as much as Anthony Rawlings’. Phil didn’t understand his fascination, other than the obvious money he earned watching her. It was just that sometimes he worried about her, with Rawlings. It wasn’t his place to make assessments. Not to mention, it’s highly out of character. However, Phil reasoned, he was usually in and out of a job in days. He’d been watching Claire for almost two months.
    Glancing from the monitor, he noticed the time, 10:28:07. His eyes returned to the screen, seeing Ms. Nichols open the door to her suite. Phillip saw her immediate change in body language. Her normal carefree presence transformed instantaneously. She immediately stiffened. The intensity of her stare caught Phillip’s attention. The normal sparkle in her eyes morphed to a glare.
    This was his job. Phillip Roach watched... perhaps, his correct title was voyeur .
     
    *****
     
    Claire stared in disbelief; words failed her. The expression glowering down at her was not the same one she’d seen a few weeks ago. This was one she’d seen before, one she preferred to keep compartmentalized away. It contained all the signature features of the man she wanted to avoid, eyes black as night, a tightly clenched jaw, and the visibly strained neck muscles. Angst filled her chest sending a rush of alarm through her veins. Without thinking, she went into defense mode, straightened her neck, and returned his glare.
    Through clinched teeth, Tony said, “Let me in. We need to talk.”
    “ I don’t think we have anything to discuss. You made an unnecessary trip. Please go.” Her voice sounded small yet strong.
    Tony stepped toward the entry, “We are not having this discussion in the hallway. I’m coming in.” With that he pushed past her into the suite. Claire immediately stepped back avoiding contact. He closed the door behind him. Tension filled the suite as they stared at one another. She contemplated her strategy while evaluating his movements. Then the reality hit her, and her momentary intimidation changed to indignation.
    “ We’re not married and I’m not your prisoner. You can’t just bully your way in here.” His glare would stop most people in their tracks. Claire was sure it had. It’d stopped her before, but not today. “I want you to leave.” Each phrase grew stronger.
    Ignoring her demands, Tony circled the living room of Claire’s suite, like a lion sizing up its prey. His presence dwarfed the once large room. Unknowingly, she held her breath as she watched his still clenched jaw and listened as his words came as a low growl, “What are you doing with her ?”
    “ I’m having an overdue reunion with an old college friend.” Feeling slightly more confident, she continued, “Besides, it’s really none of your business. You shouldn’t even be here. ” She observed the dark deepen in his gaze. Watching from a new perspective, Claire decided the darkness wasn’t just his eyes, but his entire expression, the way his brow furrowed and his jaw tightened. While her eyes saw only him, his ferocity filled her other senses. She waited for the sound of his reply. So much could be interpreted by the tone, tenor, and speed of his words. The room also filled with his scent. The cologne she’d dreamt about was once again penetrating her senses. Yet, her thoughts weren’t sensual. Seeing him stalk toward her, she remembered fear, and reconsidered her boldness.
    Without warning his hands forcibly seized her shoulders. His words came with hot needy breaths upon her face. Her gaze never wavered, with each syllable she continued to stare into the darkness. “You think I’m stupid? You’re talking to her about me, and I won’t have it.” Claire chose not to reply. Tony exhaled and growled, “Damn it, Claire, you infuriate me!”
    Before she could register his words