Truth

harm.”
    Tony did not appreciate Ms. Allyson’s veiled implication. He didn’t want Brent informed of Claire’s accusations. Standing, Tony summoned his most affable voice, “Thank you, Ms. Allyson. I’m glad you understand my concern and hope you didn’t misinterpret my alarm. If you remember anything else regarding Ms. Nichols’ departure or learn her location, I would appreciate being informed.” Tony extended his hand.
    Jane took his hand and firmly shook it. “Mr. Rawlings, you will be among the first I call. Are we done?”
    “ Yes, I believe we are.”
    After the two men exited her office, Jane collapsed into her leather chair and exhaled audibly. Well that was fun . She smiled to herself. Funny how one petition could continue to bring her pleasure.
     
    *****
     
    The exercise room in the lower level of the condominium sported the newest machines and guaranteed fitness in just minutes per day. Claire usually waited until after seven-thirty for her morning workout. Most of the residents were professionals who utilized the equipment before heading to their respective careers. The small gym burst with fitness enthusiasts every day from five until seven. Since she didn’t have a job, waiting until the crowd thinned made more sense.
    Flat screen televisions glowed with closed caption from every direction throughout the fitness center. She watched and read. Never again was Claire Nichols going to be uninformed about the world around her. The display on the elliptical machine read nine more minutes. She willed her legs to continue, yearning for her pre-prison tone.
    Contemplating the day’s activities, she made a mental to do list. At eleven o’clock she had an appointment in San Francisco with a jewelry broker. Since obtaining her birth certificate she’d fulfilled many of her needs: driver’s license, bank account, clothes, telephone, computer, cosmetics, a used car, and insurance. Truthfully, Claire was proud of her new to her Honda. It was the same make she owned in Atlanta, just a few years newer. Of course, she sent Jane Allyson a Money Order for her services.
    Claire wasn’t advertising her location. However, short of assuming an alternate identity, she knew she couldn’t stay completely hidden. In an effort to avoid a trail of credit card receipts or loans, she utilized cash as much as possible. The recent expenditures took their toll on her $100,000. Although she currently had no living expenses that would inevitably change. A one bedroom condo on the third floor would become available soon. Claire weighed the pros of living close to Amber and Harry, her only two friends against the cons of her unknown future employment.
    Obtaining work was high on her priority list. However, it wasn’t easy. She wanted to work in meteorology. Her lack of recent experience and desire to avoid any station or weather organization connected to Rawlings Industries severely limited her options. Six minutes left on the elliptical.
    Without a job, she needed more money. One evening while talking to Emily on the phone, the subject of her jewelry came up. When arrested, Claire was wearing diamond earrings, a diamond journey necklace, a diamond watch, and of course her engagement and wedding rings. If it had been up to her, she would’ve only been wearing the rings. Now as she struggled to complete the final five minutes on the machine, Claire smiled. If only her ex-husband knew how his insistence for her to wear the jewelry would probably net her a fine profit. Today’s meeting was to determine the value of her bounty.
    Harry recommended Mr. Pulvara. He only deals in high quality jewelry, not a common pawn broker. It didn’t take an expert to know Claire’s jewelry was very high quality. However, Mr. Pulvara only sees clients through recommendations and by appointment. Thanks to Amber she had both.
    Claire valued Harry’s recommendation. His connections in the Bay Area went beyond his real job as President of Security for SiJo Gaming. Amber joked about being her brother’s boss. Nevertheless, with a degree in Criminology and five years’ experience with the Bureau of Investigation and Intelligence, under the California Department of Justice as an investigator, Harry was more than qualified. Two minutes remained on the elliptical display ; thankfully the resistance lessened.
    Claire returned her attention to the TV. Suddenly, her lungs deflated, not from exercise, but from the picture on the screen. She