Truth by Aleatha Romig Read Free Book Online Page A

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
8 th 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…”
    Anthony’s voice resonated
low and menacing, “Ms. Allyson, I am not happy with the recent turn
of events. I plan to learn of all individuals involved in this miscarriage of
justice. And it’s obvious, you played a role.”
    Still standing, Jane met Mr. Rawlings’
stare. This was her forte -- why she became an attorney. “Mr.
Rawlings, I was your ex-wife’s co-counsel during her trial. I
represented her then and would gladly do so again. If you have
complaints about her pardon, I recommend you take them up with
Richard Bosley. His signature alone opened the door of her cell.”
Jane’s words slowed, “And I’m certain, a man of your stature did
not intend his concern regarding self-preservation to be
interpreted as a threat. That would not coincide with your
benevolent image and – I’ll add -- is illegal.”
    Standing, Mr. Simmons eloquently interceded,
“You are correct, Ms. Allyson. My client is obviously distraught
over the recent turn of events. You can understand his concern.
After all, Ms. Nichols tried to harm him once. It’s only natural
for him to be concerned she may try to do it again.”
    “ Yes, Mr. Simmons. I see
how your client would be concerned that my
client would cause him harm.”
    Tony