During the recent telephone call, Jane didn’t just sense renewed determination. She heard hope and optimism, qualities Ms. Nichols lost. They never discussed Claire’s final destination. Jane believed it was better not to know – plausible deniability.
As she stared at the frigid Iowa morning, Jane didn’t regret filing Claire’s pardon petition. Jane believed, no matter the consequences, freeing Claire Nichols was the right motion. Thankfully, after some debate, the partners of her firm agreed.
Earlier this morning, while readying for work, Jane saw Claire’s face on the local news. Two weeks after the fact -- the news of her release was out. Jane couldn’t contain her smile. She didn’t know how Governor Bosley kept it quiet so long, but Jane was thankful.
Word was, Richard Bosley was fading fast -- stage four B pancreatic cancer, metastized to his bones.
Settling into her leather chair, Jane sipped warm coffee and contemplated her impending meeting. Her earlier joy diminished as she entered her office greeted with multiple urgent messages from Anthony Rawlings’ secretary. Apparently, Mr. Rawlings learned of Claire’s release last night, prior to the news release.
His secretary asked Jane to travel immediately to Iowa City for a meeting with Mr. Rawlings. Jane smiled, wondering how many people drop everything at such a summons. Jane respectfully informed the woman she was involved in very important cases and would need to check her schedule. After a prolonged silence, during which Jane stared aimlessly out her large window contemplating the grey skies and chances of rain, Jane informed the secretary she would be available to make a trip to Iowa City -- a week from Thursday. The woman was obviously dismayed by Jane’s refusal to fall prostrate to the great Anthony Rawlings.
A few minutes later Jane’s phone rang. This time it wasn’t a request. Mr. Rawlings’ secretary informed Jane Mr. Rawlings would be at her office by ten this morning. Jane thought about stalling the meeting, saying she was busy. But, she decided she wanted to see her client’s ex-husband for another reason. She believed Mr. Rawlings’ demeanor would reveal if he were the anonymous benefactor.
If Jane sensed Mr. Rawlings wasn’t Claire’s savior, she wouldn’t mention the origins of the petition. The benefactor would remain a mystery.
Tearing Jane from her thoughts, her assistant’s voice broke through the speaker, “Ms. Allyson, Mr. Rawlings is here, accompanied by his attorney Mr. Simmons.”
Jane took a deep breath and exhaled. “Please send them in.”
Seeing the strained expression on the entrepreneur’s face, Jane knew immediately; Mr. Rawlings did not send her the letter. He obviously came expecting answers. She had to wonder, if it wasn’t him, then who?
“Hello, Mr. Rawlings, Mr. Simmons,” she nodded at the men as they entered her office. “Please have a seat.” She motioned to the two chairs sitting opposite her desk. Although probably not as grand as theirs, this was her office and Jane would take the seat of honor. Closing the door she returned to her leather chair. “Now gentleman, to what do I owe this honor?”
Mr. Simmons spoke first, “It has just recently come to my client’s attention, on March 8th you filed a petition with then Governor Bosley requesting a pardon for Claire Nichols.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“My client would like to know why this was filed, on what grounds, and who approached you to make this request.”
“Gentleman, Ms. Nichols was never convicted of a crime. She pled no contest. That was not an admission of guilt. She’s had an impeccable record during incarceration. Truthfully, she’s the poster child for pardons. And, as for who hired me, I’m sure you’re familiar with the term confidential.”
“Why was I not notified?” Apparently, Mr. Rawlings couldn’t restrain himself any longer.
“Why would you be?”
“For my safety. She tried to kill me.”
“Have you been threatened,” Jane leaned forward, “since her release?”
“No. I just learned of her release last night.”
“It appears as though you needn’t be concerned. She’s had two weeks to finish what you claim she started,” Jane grinned, “and it seems you’re still with us.”
Mr. Rawlings fought to keep his expression indifferent.
Mr. Simmons continued the enquiry. “Do you know where Ms. Nichols relocated? For my client’s safety he should be informed.”
“I do not. As I’m sure you’re aware, with a pardon, the criminal record is expunged. Ms. Nichols does not owe the court a thing. She is free to go wherever she chooses. And furthermore, she is not required to keep the court or the state of Iowa informed of her whereabouts. I took her to the airport and left her at the gate. There is nothing more I can tell you.”
Mr. Rawlings counsel continued, “She had a ticket for San Francisco, but prior to boarding the plane, her reservation was cancelled. Do you know where she went instead?”
Jane truly didn’t know about the cancelled flight. She was very glad she’d heard from Claire. If she hadn’t, that information would have been upsetting. But, she could appear genuinely surprised. “I don’t know anything about her reservations being cancelled. And as I said, I don’t know where she is now.”
“Ms. Allyson, she had a first class ticket. Do you know how Ms. Nichols could afford such a ticket?” Mr. Simmons continued.
“As I mentioned, some things are confidential.” Standing, Jane said, “Now gentleman, if that is all? I have work…”