Truth

determination. Stiffening her spine, she placed the car in park, grabbed the folder of information, the disposable cellphone, turned off the BMW, laid the key on the driver’s seat, locked and shut the car’s door.
    A line of semi-trucks passed, blowing Claire’s hair and exposing her determined expression. She made her way toward Phil’s SUV. Over the rush of traffic she heard the click of the unlocking doors. Claire opened the passenger door and climbed into the seat beside her old bodyguard.
    She was the first to speak, “I thought you worked for Tony.”
    “ I did. How do you think Ms. London found my name?”
    Claire raised her eyebrows.
    “ He hasn’t needed me since you moved to Iowa.”
    “ How do I know you won’t tell him where I am?”
    “ Because, I work for money. According to Ms. London, once I get you to Geneva, you will pay me more to keep quiet. Secrets are my specialty.”
    “ And you can do this?” Claire asked as she felt the SUV ease back onto I 80.
    “ Oh, Ms. Nichols, my talents were wasted as your babysitter. I’m very capable.”
    Claire looked at the man to her left. “Don’t you think you should call me Claire?”
    He smiled, “Actually, no. You have new documents. Claire Nichols is gone.”
    He handed her a stack of passports. Each folder contained the international document and a corresponding state issued driver’s license, each from different states. The documents and licenses held digitally enhanced pictures. They were all her, but not; in some she was blonde, some red headed, and others her hair was darker than normal – almost black. Upon further scrutinization she read her eye color also varied. “I understand how my hair can change, but how can my eye’s change?”
    Phil pointed to the back seat. Claire picked up a small cosmetic case. Inside were multiple pairs of colored contact lenses. He took the next exit and turned around, heading the SUV east toward the rising sun. Claire reached into her purse for her sunglasses.
    “ We’ll need to get rid of your purse and the clothes you’re wearing.” He noticed the large stone on her left hand. “And that -- isn’t that the same ring you sold?”
    She fought the tears that suddenly filled her eyes and nodded.
    “ Can you do this?” Phil asked.
    She swallowed. “I don’t have a choice. Where are we going? Are you taking me back to Iowa City?” There was a hint of optimism in her voice.
    “ Cincinnati. You’re flying from Cincinnati to Florence later this afternoon.” He turned toward her. And although her gaze was out the side window, Phil could see her trembling shoulders. “We have to stop on the way so you can change your clothes and your hair.” He waited until the silence grew uncomfortable, “Unless you want to go back to Iowa City?”
    Claire felt the movement of her baby inside of her. Her voice quivered, “No. This is something I need to do.” She reclined the seat and refused to turn toward Phil. “I think I’d like to rest while we drive to this hotel.” She knew he’d watched her for months. She remembered the note he sent the night Tony came to her hotel in San Diego. She couldn’t let him see the tears which refused to stay behind the Cartier sunglasses. He’d know immediately -- Iowa City was her destination of choice.
     
    *****
     
    There were so many things Sophia needed to do at her studio. An exhibit throws everything off kilter. Cassie, the assistant she hired to keep the Cape studio open while she was in California, was supposed to meet her at nine. Waking and sleeping at appropriate hours had never been Sophia’s gift. She was better of late, but the exhibit wore her out. When she rolled over and saw the bright Cape Cod sun streaming through her windows, she jumped from bed knowing she’d overslept.
    It was a quarter after nine before she made her way out the door. Luckily, it wasn’t a long walk to the studio. Derek kept talking about her buying a bigger studio, but honestly, she was happy with the one her parents helped her start. As she closed her front door and breathed in the wonderful salt air, her purse began to vibrate. Immediately, she assumed it was Cassie wondering if she would make their meeting. Glancing at the screen of her phone, Sophia saw an unknown number with the Princeton, New Jersey, prefix. She hit: Answer.
    “ Mrs. Sophia Burke?”
    “ Yes, this is she.” The bright sunshine faded.
    “ Ms. Burke, I’m sorry to be making this call, but a