Truth by Aleatha Romig Read Free Book Online Page B

did not appreciate Ms. Allyson’s veiled
implication. He didn’t want Brent informed of Claire’s accusations.
Standing, Tony summoned his most affable voice, “Thank you, Ms.
Allyson. I’m glad you understand my concern and hope you didn’t
misinterpret my alarm. If you remember anything else regarding Ms.
Nichols’ departure or learn her location, I would appreciate being
informed.” Tony extended his hand.
    Jane took his hand and firmly shook it. “Mr.
Rawlings, you will be among the first I call. Are we done?”
    “ Yes, I believe we
are.”
    After the two men exited
her office, Jane collapsed into her leather chair and exhaled
audibly. Well that was
fun . She smiled to herself. Funny how one
petition could continue to bring her pleasure.
     
    *****
     
    The exercise room in the lower level of the
condominium sported the newest machines and guaranteed fitness in
just minutes per day. Claire usually waited until after
seven-thirty for her morning workout. Most of the residents were
professionals who utilized the equipment before heading to their
respective careers. The small gym burst with fitness enthusiasts
every day from five until seven. Since she didn’t have a job,
waiting until the crowd thinned made more sense.
    Flat screen televisions glowed with closed
caption from every direction throughout the fitness center. She
watched and read. Never again was Claire Nichols going to be
uninformed about the world around her. The display on the
elliptical machine read nine more minutes. She willed her legs to
continue, yearning for her pre-prison tone.
    Contemplating the day’s
activities, she made a mental to do list. At eleven o’clock she had an appointment in
San Francisco with a jewelry broker. Since obtaining her birth
certificate she’d fulfilled many of her needs: driver’s license,
bank account, clothes, telephone, computer, cosmetics, a used car,
and insurance. Truthfully, Claire was proud of her new to her Honda. It was
the same make she owned in Atlanta, just a few years newer. Of
course, she sent Jane Allyson a Money Order for her
services.
    Claire wasn’t advertising her location.
However, short of assuming an alternate identity, she knew she
couldn’t stay completely hidden. In an effort to avoid a trail of
credit card receipts or loans, she utilized cash as much as
possible. The recent expenditures took their toll on her $100,000.
Although she currently had no living expenses that would inevitably
change. A one bedroom condo on the third floor would become
available soon. Claire weighed the pros of living close to Amber
and Harry, her only two friends against the cons of her unknown
future employment.
    Obtaining work was high on
her priority list. However, it wasn’t easy. She wanted to work in
meteorology. Her lack of recent experience and desire to avoid any
station or weather organization connected to Rawlings Industries
severely limited her options. Six minutes
left on the elliptical.
    Without a job, she needed more money. One
evening while talking to Emily on the phone, the subject of her
jewelry came up. When arrested, Claire was wearing diamond
earrings, a diamond journey necklace, a diamond watch, and of
course her engagement and wedding rings. If it had been up to her,
she would’ve only been wearing the rings. Now as she struggled to
complete the final five minutes on the machine, Claire smiled. If
only her ex-husband knew how his insistence for her to wear the
jewelry would probably net her a fine profit. Today’s meeting was
to determine the value of her bounty.
    Harry recommended Mr. Pulvara. He only deals
in high quality jewelry, not a common pawn broker. It didn’t take
an expert to know Claire’s jewelry was very high quality. However,
Mr. Pulvara only sees clients through recommendations and by
appointment. Thanks to Amber she had both.
    Claire valued Harry’s
recommendation. His connections in the Bay Area went beyond his
real job as President of Security for SiJo