Truth

benefactors. It seemed as though not only were these individuals willing to help her, but it appeared these people saw through the façade of Anthony Rawlings. For so long, Claire truly believed his veneer was impenetrable.
    Claire had contacted Amber McCoy after she received Tony’s box of information. It didn’t seem right for Claire to hide the possible cause of Amber’s fiancé’s death. She wasn’t sure how Amber would react. If Claire’s theory were correct, Claire was in essence responsible for Simon’s death – if he hadn’t tried to contact her, he might still be alive.
    Claire realized her assumptions were astounding, and she had no proof. Nonetheless, as the two conversed, Claire spun an amazing tale of deceit and vengeance. Apparently she’d been convincing enough to gain Amber’s trust. In the months that followed, through multiple emails (Claire had limited computer access while incarcerated) they shared information and research regarding the materials Tony offered in his box . Together, they were in the process of recreating much of the information.
    The need to recreate was due to Claire’s impulsivity. In a moment of weakness she decided to throw most of the information in the prison’s incinerator. Sometimes she reasoned it wasn’t weakness, but strength -- the strength to rid her of her past, a sort of cleansing. Fortuitously, she’d chosen to save a few non-duplicable items, pictures and the Top Secret report.
    Claire wasn’t sure what she planned to accomplish when she recreated the box of information. She’d planned to have more time. However, she wasn’t complaining. Being released from prison almost four years early was worth the uncertainty regarding her intentions. She and Amber would continue to recreate the timeline, understand Tony’s past in order to influence his future. Perhaps others would join their quest. Claire didn’t know if Emily was up for the challenge.
    Thinking about her sister, Claire knew she loved her. However, understandably Claire’s arrest and confessions strained their relationship. The accusations and concerns Emily professed and Claire vehemently denied during her marriage were now realized. Claire’s deceit cost them both dearly. Truthfully, Tony made the final call, ultimately responsible for Claire’s incarceration, John’s charges (embezzlement and fraudulent client billing), and every bad thing that happened on planet Earth in the last forty-eight years. Emily tried to support Claire while she was in the Iowa prison. Their interaction was superficial at best. Now that Claire was pardoned, reconnecting with Emily was high on her priority list.
    As the small jet cleared the Santa Cruz Mountains, twilight descended upon Silicon Valley. The lights of Palo Alto greeted her, and the airport bustled with commuter planes. It was one of the busiest private airports in the country.
    Wishing for invisibility from her ex-husband, Claire prayed one woman on one jet would go completely unnoticed.
    As the door opened and the tepid air filled the cabin Claire allowed herself to experience the relief associated with freedom. The change of scenery helped facilitate her emotional shift. Placing one foot in front of the other she disembarked the plane. After three years of constant surveillance, the uncertainty of California’s possibilities thrilled and terrified her.
    Her future was in her hands --such a simple statement of independence. Nonetheless, it could not have been made twenty-four hours earlier. Claire thought about that; it could not have been made thirty-six months ago. Straightening her shoulders and lifting her head high, Claire scanned the concourse.
    As if knowing Claire’s need for immediate confirmation and reaffirmation, Amber walked silently from an unmarked hanger. She looked much different than she did eighteen months ago at Simon’s funeral. Not physically, as Claire recognized the slender brunette instantly. The difference was her presence, no longer grief stricken; Amber radiated a casual confidence and a self-assured aura. Their eyes met and Amber moved toward her.
    On the concrete concourse the two friends and strangers, embraced. The day had already been extremely long. Emotionally overloaded, Claire was thankful for her new friend and ready for quiet time. Amber understood and drove them to her condo, with minimal stops on the way for essentials.
    Nestled near downtown Palo Alto, Amber’s condominium blended perfectly into