Behind His Eyes - Convicted: The Missing Years Read Online Free PDF Page B

sister and brother-in-law spun. They didn’t want to believe that Claire was once again motivated by fear of Tony, yet, with the publication of Meredith Banks’ book, that lingering concern loomed ever-present in both of their minds.
    On a whim, Brent contacted Phil Roach. After all, Brent had been the one to hire him in the first place. Being a consummate professional, since Brent was not his client, Roach didn’t divulge anything. And then the call came. Roach had discussed it with Tony, and the lines of communication were opened. Roach explained to Brent, and thus to Courtney, the intricacies of the Rawlingses’ temporary departure. The Simmonses became privy to the real story of their disappearance and Catherine’s role in it all.
    Over the years, as situations deemed necessary, Brent mastered the skill of being less than forthcoming. Depending upon the circumstance, the level of difficulty varied. One of the hardest scenarios was Claire’s pardon. To work every day beside Tony and know the answers to all of Tony’s questions, yet remain detached, warranted Brent an Academy Award. There were even a few times when Courtney deserved, at the very least, a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a drama series. Although the role was sometimes tedious, what fueled Brent’s motivation were the words of Claire’s testimony. He’d remember the frightened young woman who accompanied Tony on a business trip to New York, or the beautiful bride who lived a hidden life of domination. It made Brent physically ill to think of the things that she’d endured at the hands of his friend, the things that occurred right before their eyes, while they’d done nothing to help.
    Maybe it was Claire who deserved an Academy Award? After all, neither he nor Courtney knew what was happening behind the iron gates of the Rawlings estate.
    Even more difficult than facing Tony day to day while he ranted and raved about Claire’s pardon, had been the past few months of facing Catherine London. Knowing what Brent knew, each inquiry that Ms. London made into Rawlings’ personal financial matters or Rawlings Industries, each time she used her position as executor of Tony’s estate to influence something or the other, Brent’s blood boiled. He had to force himself to return her calls. Sometimes he wouldn’t do it for days, claiming an overwhelming workload or forgetfulness. Each interaction was loathsome. Normally a gentle man, Brent couldn’t interact with her without wishing her physical pain. Her smug countenance grated on him as he contemplated her role in the upheaval of his friends’ lives. After so much time, Brent had come to the conclusion that Tony and Claire were both people he’d grown to love.
    The flight attendant refocused Brent’s attention. If there hadn’t been a glitch in the finalization of the proposal, he’d have been home already with Courtney and Claire. He would know what was happening with Roach and Tony at the estate. He might not be in need of more antacid!
    The glitch wasn’t big; nonetheless, by spending a few more minutes—that turned into an hour—with the appropriate people, Brent preempted the need to return to Chicago to rectify the potential contractual misinterpretation. He didn’t mind. Taking a commercial flight gave Brent the opportunity to regroup and think about all that was happening. No doubt, if he’d flown back with Sharon Michaels and Derek Burke, they’d have spent the entire flight rehashing the proposal, crunching numbers, and verifying statutes. This alternative gave Brent a moment of uncustomary peace and anonymity.
    Even though he wasn’t initially scheduled to be involved with the negotiations, Brent believed the meeting in Chicago had gone exceptionally well. It was his first opportunity to personally witness Derek in action. In hindsight, Brent wondered about the promotion that brought the young man to corporate. It seemed strange that Ms. London had found the necessary