Truth by Aleatha Romig Read Free Book Online

mailed her a check for her services.
What she didn’t say, but Jane heard loud and clear, was a regained
resolve. Wherever Claire was, she was emerging from the depths of
the past three years – a butterfly finally emerging from the
encased cocoon.
    It was like Jane could hear the
determination her client held during her interviews at the
courthouse in Iowa City in 2011. Although Jane moved on to other
clients, she could close her eyes and see Claire Rawlings at the
steel table, recounting her tortured life with Anthony Rawlings. At
the time, Jane felt overwhelmed with compassion and respect for the
petite woman. Many victims were unable to share details like the
ones Claire described, especially against such a respected
assailant. Yet, with each sentence, Mrs. Rawlings grew in
stature.
    None of it mattered. After the prosecutor,
Marcus Evergreen, wove his web around Claire’s testimony, she
wisely chose incarceration over courtroom drama and further public
scrutiny. Despite her circumstances, when the judge proclaimed the
final sentence, Claire Nichols accepted the words with dignity and
strength.
    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