Truth

Catherine’s note. Claire didn’t leave her breakfast to chance. When Cindy answered, Claire was very specific, “Hello, Cindy, I’m finally awake. Could someone please bring me...?”
    Cindy brought dry scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit and served it on the balcony. Claire ate her breakfast and drank tea and orange juice while a soft breeze blew her unbound hair around her face. Taking in the beautiful, green, peaceful scene, it was difficult not to enjoy her surroundings. Everything was perfect.
    When Claire finally descended the grand stairs, it was almost twelve. She’d wanted to speak with Catherine. And although Tony was due home any minute, Catherine was waiting for her near the sun porch.
    “ Do you think we have time for a walk?” Claire asked.
    “ Yes, not too long. However, I believe it would be good for you to walk .”
    The two women strode in step out of the sun porch and down into the backyard. Even though the midday sun heated the June day, a warm breeze kept the air moving and comfortable. Together they made their way to the gardens. Flowers of all colors adorned the paths. Following the flagstone stepping stones they made their way to a stone bench at the edge of Tony’s yard.
    “ This is visible, not audible.” Catherine said. Claire nodded. “Ms. Claire...”
    “ Just Claire, please?” Claire asked with a smile.
    Catherine smiled, “Claire, thank you for what you said yesterday. You will never know how much it means to me. Mr. Rawlings asked me about a box of information sent to you in prison. Why do you believe it was sent?”
    Claire’s insides fluttered. She didn’t know if it was their baby finally waking or anxiety produced by the possibility of answers to her many questions. “I think it depends on who sent it. At first I thought it was sent by Tony. If that were the case, I thought it was done maliciously – bragging about the things he’s done.” She paused. When Catherine didn’t respond, Claire continued. “Now I’m not sure. And I don’t understand all of the contents.”
    “ What don’t you understand?”
    “ How long have you known Tony?”
    “ A long time,” Catherine’s expression revealed someone reminiscing. “I met him the day he graduated high school.”
    Claire gasped, she had no idea they went back that far. “So you knew him when he was Anton?” Catherine nodded. Claire asked, “Did you know his family: his parents and his grandparents?”
    “ Yes, I did.”
    There were so many questions going through Claire’s mind. She didn’t know which ones to vocalize. “He never talks about his family. Well, he’s mentioned his grandfather a few times. Please tell me about them.”
    Catherine focused on Claire, “Someday, perhaps. Today is about Anton. He needs you more than he is willing to admit, even now. I hope you can see the strides he has accomplished and the concessions he’s made.”
    Claire fought the emotions within her. She steadied her shoulders, “I do. I also have memories. Not just the ones of here. You mentioned sometimes being with him was difficult. You and I both know that’s an understatement.” Claire inhaled deeply and continued, “I also have memories of prison. Tell me why he did that to me.”
    “ Mr. Rawlings is a man of his word. The problem was, he made two different promises and he felt honored to keep them both. He hoped that by fulfilling one, in a different than expected way, he may have the chance to rectify the other.” Catherine squeezed Claire’s hand. “That’s up to you. Please give him the chance.”
    “ Why are you so loyal to him?”
    “ He is like my family. I have seen what life has done to him and how he has triumphed on so many levels. He has been loyal to me, also.”
    “ But, if I’m to interpret the box correctly, he’s done some terrible things.”
    “ Ms. – I mean, Claire, we have all done some terrible things. That doesn’t mean we aren’t capable of good. You’ve shown me that, too.”
    As Claire was about to respond, they both heard the approaching footsteps. Coming from the house, Tony advanced carrying a large satchel. His concerned expression mellowed when his dark eyes met Claire’s. Abruptly, Catherine stood.
    “ Catherine.” His one word greeting could easily be interpreted as a reprimand.
    “ Tony,” Claire reached for him. “What do you have?”
    Slowly, his piercing gaze left Catherine and turned toward Claire. She watched the light overtake the dark and a