Truth

“Well, it seems some new information has come to the attention of the New York State Bar Association. This hasn’t been released to anyone, not even John. If my informant is correct, this new information will cause his case to come up for review soon. We are hoping the review will result in the reinstatement of his law license.”
    Claire sprung skyward and clasped her hands with the news. “Oh, thank you.” The tears teetering in the house now spilled onto her cheeks. “Thank you, Brent. Thank you, Tony. I won’t say a word. When will you know if it will be up for review?”
    Brent answered, “It’ll take a few months. I should be kept apprised of updates.”
    Tony offered his hand to Brent, “Thank you,” he shook Brent’s hand. “I apologize for delaying your departure, but I wanted Claire to hear it from you.”
    Courtney’s relief made her giddy, “That’s all right. However, now we need to go. I’m so glad this was good news.” Reaching out for Claire’s hand, “Now you need some rest. Tony’s right, you’ve had too many things thrown at you. Look how emotional you are.”
    Claire nodded and managed, “We’ll see you tomorrow night. And, I’ll call.” The words spoken out loud felt liberating.
    Tony grasped Claire’s hand, and they walked back to the silver Batmobile. As he opened her door, he bent down and whispered, “A man of my word.”
    She smiled all the way to her emerald eyes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, I really mean that.”
    The country roads wound like a ribbon before them. Claire closed her eyes and tried to comprehend the evening. There were so many things to think about. Yet, the only vision which managed to find its way to her consciousness was Sean, the way his pudgy little arms encircled Sue’s neck, his giggle as Tim propelled him in the air, and his security at landing on Tim’s strong stable shoulder. Would their child ever have that? Would Claire’s baby have a father willing to embrace him unconditionally?
    Tony’s squeeze of Claire’s knee brought her back to the present. She focused on his words, part of a statement already in progress. “... it takes longer than you would expect. But, Brent thinks it can be resolved before the end of the year.”
    Claire turned, “That’s a long time away. How long did it take to set him up?”
    Tony turned. His expression suddenly darkened. “I’d rather not talk about that.”
    With her preoccupation of Sean, she’d forgotten to weigh her words. “Why? I know you did it. You told Brent and Courtney you wanted to be honest. So be honest.”
    Tony’s neck stiffened and he peered forward through the windshield. Finally he spoke, “From the time he turned down my job offer.”
    Claire sat straighter and looked out the side window. She tried to keep her mind on the passing scenes. Subtle interruptions in the nocturnal darkness were visible with the occasional house or opening in the trees. The light from the quarter moon illuminated each field or a yard they passed. Although, the familiar terrain gave Claire comfort, she wrestled with Tony’s confession.
    “ You asked. Now, you won’t comment?” Tony asked.
    “ I don’t know what to say. Do you want my bold and cheeky response or the reticent and genteel one?”
    Claire saw his knuckles blanch upon the steering wheel. She waited. Instinctively she knew she’d baited him enough. He’d been honest. She should give him credit for that.
    “ This is why I haven’t answered all of your questions. You may think you’re ready for answers, but you’re not. Bits and pieces may help you understand. But, the blatant truth is too much.”
    Claire watched the passing scenes without comment. It wasn’t that words didn’t form in her head; they did. She chose to keep them to herself. In the past her silence may have been the result of fear regarding Tony’s reaction. Exhaustion was her current motivator. Without a doubt, Claire was tired of confrontation.
    When Tony pulled the silver Batmobile onto the brick circular drive in front of his house, Claire turned to him. Sincerely and serenely, she placed her hand on top of his and spoke softly with confidence, “Thank you.” He turned -- showering her with the intensity of his dark glare. Every fiber of his expression displayed his unspoken resentment regarding at her recent silence. Undeterred she continued, “Thank you for supporting me tonight with your friends. I was very nervous. It turned out much