Truth

mystery.
    Tearing Jane from her thoughts, her assistant’s voice broke through the speaker, “Ms. Allyson, Mr. Rawlings is here, accompanied by his attorney Mr. Simmons.”
    Jane took a deep breath and exhaled. “Please send them in.”
    Seeing the strained expression on the entrepreneur’s face, Jane knew immediately; Mr. Rawlings did not send her the letter. He obviously came expecting answers. She had to wonder, if it wasn’t him, then who?
    “ Hello, Mr. Rawlings, Mr. Simmons,” she nodded at the men as they entered her office. “Please have a seat.” She motioned to the two chairs sitting opposite her desk. Although probably not as grand as theirs, this was her office and Jane would take the seat of honor. Closing the door she returned to her leather chair. “Now gentleman, to what do I owe this honor?”
    Mr. Simmons spoke first, “It has just recently come to my client’s attention, on March 8 th you filed a petition with then Governor Bosley requesting a pardon for Claire Nichols.”
    “ Yes, that’s correct.”
    “ My client would like to know why this was filed, on what grounds, and who approached you to make this request.”
    “ Gentleman, Ms. Nichols was never convicted of a crime. She pled no contest . That was not an admission of guilt. She’s had an impeccable record during incarceration. Truthfully, she’s the poster child for pardons. And, as for who hired me, I’m sure you’re familiar with the term confidential .”
    “ Why was I not notified?” Apparently, Mr. Rawlings couldn’t restrain himself any longer.
    “ Why would you be?”
    “ For my safety. She tried to kill me.”
    “ Have you been threatened,” Jane leaned forward, “since her release?”
    “ No. I just learned of her release last night.”
    “ It appears as though you needn’t be concerned. She’s had two weeks to finish what you claim she started,” Jane grinned, “and it seems you’re still with us.”
    Mr. Rawlings fought to keep his expression indifferent.
    Mr. Simmons continued the enquiry. “Do you know where Ms. Nichols relocated? For my client’s safety he should be informed.”
    “ I do not. As I’m sure you’re aware, with a pardon, the criminal record is expunged. Ms. Nichols does not owe the court a thing. She is free to go wherever she chooses. And furthermore, she is not required to keep the court or the state of Iowa informed of her whereabouts. I took her to the airport and left her at the gate. There is nothing more I can tell you.”
    Mr. Rawlings counsel continued, “She had a ticket for San Francisco, but prior to boarding the plane, her reservation was cancelled. Do you know where she went instead?”
    Jane truly didn’t know about the cancelled flight. She was very glad she’d heard from Claire. If she hadn’t, that information would have been upsetting. But, she could appear genuinely surprised. “I don’t know anything about her reservations being cancelled. And as I said, I don’t know where she is now.”
    “ Ms. Allyson, she had a first class ticket. Do you know how Ms. Nichols could afford such a ticket?” Mr. Simmons continued.
    “ As I mentioned, some things are confidential.” Standing, Jane said, “Now gentleman, if that is all? I have work…”
    Anthony’s voice resonated low and menacing, “Ms. Allyson, I am not happy with the recent turn of events. I plan to learn of all individuals involved in this miscarriage of justice. And it’s obvious, you played a role.”
    Still standing, Jane met Mr. Rawlings’ stare. This was her forte -- why she became an attorney. “Mr. Rawlings, I was your ex-wife’s co-counsel during her trial. I represented her then and would gladly do so again. If you have complaints about her pardon, I recommend you take them up with Richard Bosley. His signature alone opened the door of her cell.” Jane’s words slowed, “And I’m certain, a man of your stature did not intend his concern regarding self-preservation to be interpreted as a threat. That would not coincide with your benevolent image and – I’ll add -- is illegal.”
    Standing, Mr. Simmons eloquently interceded, “You are correct, Ms. Allyson. My client is obviously distraught over the recent turn of events. You can understand his concern. After all, Ms. Nichols tried to harm him once. It’s only natural for him to be concerned she may try to do it again.”
    “ Yes, Mr. Simmons. I see how your client would be concerned that my client would cause him