“I don’t want this made public.” Tony’s tone was not up for debate. “I don’t want anyone to know that the woman I married has become delusional and irrational.” Tony leaned forward. “I’m sure you’ve seen the media coverage. Let’s not add to the frenzy.”
“I totally understand. If only she’d have taken your offer—”
“Obviously,” Tony said, “another sign of her mental incompetency. I want you to do whatever it takes to keep this out of a courtroom.”
Marcus nodded. “Sir, some of these allegations seemed very farfetched. May I ask if your wife had access to others?”
Tony’s brows came together. “What kind of a question is that? This’s 2012—everyone has access to everyone.”
“Cell phone? Email?”
Tony nodded. “Yes,” he sounded puzzled, “doesn’t everyone?”
“May I have her number and email address?”
“Yes, of course. Whatever you need, I’ll be glad to provide. I’m sure you can find many things just by searching the media. They do seem to like to write about my wife’s latest purchases … or … hair color.” Tony looked down.
“Mr. Rawlings, I apologize. I’m sure this is extremely difficult. It’s that, we’ll be meeting with Mrs. Rawlings and her attorneys in the morning. The more prepared I am for this preexamination, the better chance we have of stopping this from going to full trial.”
Tony took a deep breath; his ribs ached. He reached for his side, and said, “I suppose this’ll get worse before it gets better.”
“I’ll be in touch. I promise to keep you up-to-date.”
Tony stood, his dark eyes downcast before settling on the prosecutor. “Marcus, I promise that you’ll not regret this. I know you won’t disappoint me, and I won’t disappoint you. The state of Iowa has excellent opportunities. I believe there are great prospects in your future.”
Marcus’s shoulders went back. “Thank you, Mr. Rawlings. I’m truly saddened by this string of events. I’ll keep the casualty list as short as possible.”
“Tony,” Tony said. “Please, you’ve been to my wedding and by my side as it all fell apart. Please, call me Tony.”
“Thank you, Tony. I’ll also let you know the full list of who’s seen this information and promise to keep that list manageable.”
Tony put out his hand. “I don’t doubt your abilities. That’s why I believe you have true possibilities for great aspirations. Both of our futures will be much brighter. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Tony gathered his overcoat and stepped from Marcus’ office, confident of the containment of Claire’s disobedience. Fine! She didn’t want to take his offer. Tony wouldn’t be derailed by a Nichols! Let her rot in a damn prison. Let her experience the consequences of her decision—at least Tony would know where she was. One day her little reprieve would be over, and she’d be free—from the state of Iowa, that was, but never from him.
Tony could promise that!
Above anything else, Anthony Rawlings was a man of his word.