She shook her head, “I expect distance and respect.”
“And I expect my directives to be followed.” Claire recognized the change in Tony’s tone. It was harder with increased volume. “Her blog no longer exists.”
“That’s unreasonable.” She replied, “She didn’t know anything about your directive. I haven’t had the chance to speak with her.”
“That’s your undoing, not mine.”
“Actually, I beg to differ. I was upset by your visit last night, more accurately by your gift. Instead of calling, I fell asleep. By the time I woke, she wasn’t available and the blog was viral.” As Claire spoke, she powered-up her iPad and searched for Meredith’s blog. The web address she’d used earlier was met with the Error Response: Server not found. “Shit, Tony, what have you done?”
“I believe I presented you with a sign of commitment, and now I have presented you with a warning. Following my rules isn’t optional. I expect you to remember that, if you want your requests to be considered.”
Claire’s blood boiled. She remembered his rules and his redundant lectures regarding those rules. However, as much as she wanted to argue and fight, she wanted her loved ones safe, and John’s law license reinstated. With great effort, Claire’s voice strained with projected compliance, “I will speak with Meredith this evening. Nothing more will appear in print or on-line as long as people stay safe and John gets his license.”
“Your second request will take some time.”
“Tony, it wasn’t a request.”
“Your bravado is appreciated, but I won’t be swindled. I don’t make mistakes or unsubstantiated threats. It would do you well to keep that in mind.”
“From business metaphors to chess, the thing is, for a swindle to have occurred I would need to be losing. On the contrary, I’m in California and you’re in Iowa. I would say I have the initiative.”
“Well, I see your weakness, your hole, and I’m confident that you’ll blunder. The queen will be mine.”
“Yes, I know the term. Now, didn’t you tell me last night that I continually exceed your expectations?” She didn’t wait for a response. “I think you’ve forgotten – to win at the game of chess it isn’t the queen you seek, but the king.”
“You may consider Meredith’s blog to be a gambit, but I doubt she shares your point of view. I look forward to the end-game.”
Claire sighed, “I will talk with her tonight.”
“By the way, I like the black bathing suit, but I’d prefer it here at the estate where it wouldn’t be seen by as many people.”
Her head darted from side to side. Behind the trunk of a palm tree, under the shade of an umbrella she saw Phillip. “Good-bye, Tony.” She disconnected the line, before he could comment. She stood and made her way toward Phil’s umbrella; they needed to talk.
The late afternoon temperature was perfect. The low humidity combined with a light breeze made the pool oasis a haven for relaxation. However, as Claire approached Philip Roach, his expression looked anything but relaxed.
She didn’t ask permission to sit in the chair next to his, she just did.
His voice was curt, “Ms. Nichols, I thought we weren’t to know one another. Can I assume we’re being photographed?”
“I was about to ask you the same thing.” Holding up her phone Claire continued, “It seems my ex-husband is receiving up to the minute updates. He even knows what I’m wearing.”
“What can I say, I have a job. I do it.”
“Then tell me what last night’s note was all about.”
Phil looked away. Eventually the enticement to see Claire sitting next to him, in nothing but her black bikini, was too strong. He returned her gaze. Mindlessly he wished she wasn’t wearing the large sunglasses. He so rarely was able to look at her this close. He wanted to see her eyes. Finally he responded to her question, “It was a display of unwise judgment.”
“Unwise?” Her voice softened, “I thought it was kind.”
“Well, Ms. Nichols, I’m not paid to be kind. I suppose I momentarily forgot my place in this equation.”
Her anger regarding Tony’s knowledge of her attire faded. She gently touched Phil’s outstretched leg and said, “Thank you. He was upset when he arrived.” She smirked, “He’s not too happy right now. But he calmed last night, he’ll calm again.”
“You seem to have an uncanny ability. My concerns were unfounded.”
“No Phillip, your concerns were admirable. Thank you.”
He nodded.
Claire went on, trying to give Phillip some sense of understanding. “This is nothing but a game to Mr. Rawlings. Unfortunately for me, he has the ability and resources to keep the game going into untold overtime. And you are a piece of that game.”
“Game? That wasn’t the impression I’ve received.”
“It’s like chess. I make a move, he makes a move. Eventually one of us will declare check-mate.”
“From my short experience, I believe you’re a worthy opponent.”
“You see, that’s where I’m confused. Sometimes I think I’m an opponent. Other times I think he believes I’m the prize. Thing is, I’m not interested in being a prize.”
“Maybe instead of chess, it is archery. And you, Ms. Nichols, are the target.”
She pondered his observation. That scenario would take more consideration. She asked, “By the way, what happened to you at that French restaurant?”
“I had an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
Claire nodded. “Thank you again for your concern. I’m in hope of you being dismissed soon, but I doubt that will happen. And at this time I don’t want to break in another bodyguard. So I’ll leave you to your work.”
As Phil watched, Claire walked back to her chair. He considered her words and thought to himself, bodyguard – that does sound better than paid voyeur.
After her time by the pool, Claire went back to her suite and made some calls. A lot had happened with Tony since she’d last spoken with Courtney. Claire told her all about Meredith and the agreement she hoped to secure with her tonight. She also told Courtney about Tony’s surprise appearance the night before.
Courtney filled Claire in on the progress of Caleb and Julia’s wedding. With it less than a month away, Courtney was trying to be as helpful as possible. Claire smiled, listening to her friend go on and on about dresses, rehearsal dinner, and tuxedos. Claire told her how much she’d like to help. They both knew that wouldn’t happen. Nevertheless, Courtney promised lots and lots of pictures.
Just before they hung-up, Claire mentioned her other late night visitor. Claire couldn’t tell Amber about what they did. It was refreshing to have a friend with whom she could talk to about Harry. Courtney didn’t judge; she listened. When Claire said Harry did make her smile, Courtney said she couldn’t wait to meet him. Her last comment on the subject caught Claire off guard. Courtney remarked, “Can you imagine if Tony realized his visit was the push to advance your relationship with Harry?” Claire hadn’t thought of it like that. She remembered Harry’s question. If Courtney’s observation was right, was she pushing Tony out, instead of letting Harry in?
Harry returned to the suite later in the afternoon looking delicious in new jeans and a new black t-shirt. Since he hadn’t planned on staying in San Diego, he was forced to do some shopping. With a boyish smirk, he handed Claire a plastic bag containing a box. She looked into the bag and returned his smile from under her mascaraed lashes. It seemed silly to feel shy about the box of condoms. However, when she noticed the number on the side of the box she exhaled. She didn’t know they were sold by the dozen.
Her thoughts went back to Palo Alto. Did his bulk purchase mean he intended this arrangement to continue back at the condominium? She wasn’t opposed. It would just be different. This get-a-way was more like a holiday. Another issue requiring more thought.