Truth

the most. If he knew she was safe. If he knew she did this of her own free will... but he didn’t know. Last time -- in 2012 -- he knew. And the pain he’d put her through back then added to his current torment.
    In the past few days he’d spent untold amounts of money, had private and public agencies search every inch of Iowa, the surrounding states, country – damn -- the world. There were plenty of tips... a large reward will bring those. Yet, none paid off. How could Claire evaporate into thin air?
    The BMW was thoroughly searched by Iowa’s top CSI. Only her finger prints, Clay’s, Eric’s, and his were discovered... but no unknown clues.
    During the last three days he’d hardly left the confines of his home office. Entering the attached bath, he saw his almost unrecognizable reflection in the mirror. His facial hair had never been so long. Rubbing his hands through the now soft stubble, he stared into his own eyes. For the first time in his life he’d dared to believe in happily-ever-after. He learned at a young age it was unattainable. Therefore, he’d never even tried... until Claire. And somehow, for a few short months, it was at his fingertips. The wealth, homes, and appearance of stability and sanity... all meant nothing when he saw the pictures of Claire with Harry. Tony couldn’t be at that damn gala and know she was there with him . Hell, Tony didn’t even know about their baby. He just knew, for the first time in his life, Anthony Rawlings would risk public scrutiny to have what he wanted most. What mattered to him above anything else... the problem was making her realize it.
    Tony turned off the screens of his computer and lay on the soft leather sofa. His mind went back to two thousand ten and eleven. On this very couch... on this luxurious carpet... he smiled... on his desk... there was hardly a place they hadn’t been together. Damn, they’d been great. Despite the happy memories, the twisting in his heart tightened. The things he’d done to her -- the regret was almost paralyzing.
    Then somehow in this totally screwed up world -- when all was said and done -- she’d taken him back.
    The pounding in his head brought moisture to his eyes. His words were barely audible. That was all right; they weren’t intended for anyone except the woman who wasn’t there. “I’m so sorry... for everything... why? ... why did you leave me?” As the tears coated his cheeks he told himself, Anthony Rawlings doesn’t cry. He doesn’t apologize, and he doesn’t cry...
     
    *****
     
    Once settled in Florence, Isabelle utilized an Internet Cafe to surf the web and learn the latest news happening back in Iowa. The face of Claire Nichols appeared in multiple thumbnails. She scrolled over the pictures which looked nothing like the blue-eyed woman with short dark hair staring at the monitor.
    Different titles appeared: Missing - Day Three, Reward Offered, Ex-Husband “Person of Interest”, and Vanished – Memoirs left behind.
    Claire read each article scrutinizing every detail. The first article spoke analytically about Claire’s disappearance. It described the incident where her car was attacked by another car, how that evening she went for a drive and never returned. The article highlighted photos of her and Tony at recent events. It even showed a recent photo of them out to eat. Claire tried to see the restaurant. She was pretty sure it was in Chicago and on her left hand she could see her engagement ring.
    The next article said: Anthony Rawlings believes his ex-wife was coerced off his estate and kidnapped. He states the incident in California as evidence of a probable attack. To this end he is currently offering a reward of $100,000 for information leading to the safe return of his ex-wife. The Iowa City Police Department hired additional personnel to help with the onslaught of calls and emails. Mr. Rawlings offered to reimburse ICPD for the extra expense.
    The “Person of Interest” story claimed John and Emily Vandersol, Claire Nichols only family, made allegations suggesting Anthony Rawlings look no farther than the mirror. They allege the wealthy tycoon is responsible for the disappearance of Claire Nichols, claiming he’s done it before (see story related to memoirs). The office of Mr. Marcus Evergreen, Johnson County Prosecutor, Iowa City, Iowa, stated formal charges against Mr. Rawlings are under consideration.
    Mr. Rawlings’ attorneys are working overtime. While defending his