Read Online Behind His Eyes - Convicted: The Missing Years by Aleatha Romig - Free Book Online

throw our whole agreement out the window? What about Claire? They promised that she wouldn’t—”
    Brent interrupted. “One step at a time. Let me see what I can do.”
    “Get me out of here. Get any and all charges removed from Claire and anyone else. I’ll take responsibility for what I’ve done, but my list of crimes is miniscule in comparison to what I learned today at the estate. It’s all recorded. The cameras in the office should have gotten it all. Make sure you get that evidence.”
    “This is so farfetched, yet obviously you both know more than I do,” Tom said.
    “Tom,” Tony’s dark eyes turned toward his friend. “It was a need-to-know basis. The FBI wouldn’t allow—”
    “No. Don’t worry about that. I’m happy to know you’re not losing it. I was beginning to wonder,” Tom replied with a grin. “We’ll get you out of here as soon as we can.”
    “Today. And get me information on my family.”
    Brent and Tom nodded.
    “Tom,” Tony said, “I want you to go to the hospital. Stephens is a good man, but when Claire wakes, she needs someone she recognizes. I have a bad feeling about Emily and John.”
    “The people you risked everything to save?” Tom interjected.
    Nodding, Tony continued. “They don’t even know what you know, and that is so little of this story. Everyone keeps questioning our marriage.” Tony’s eyes widened as he turned toward Brent. “I will not implicate anyone else, but as my counsel, please contact the person who can help get the necessary documents to prove we’re married. He’s good, Brent. I’d bet he could obtain what you need in a matter of hours. It would take the State Department days or weeks.”
    Tom listened and shrugged. “Need to know?”
    “Yes, some things are better left unknown for right now. Just go to Claire. Let Brent get me out of here.”
    Tom nodded. “I will.”
    “So will I,” Brent replied, and added, “Don’t answer any questions. Don’t let them bait you into anything. Tony, this is not as simple as before. You need to listen to me.”
    A slight grin came to Tony’s lips as he once again slapped Brent’s shoulder. “Who am I to refuse the man who just overcame death?”
    “What about Courtney?” Tom asked.
    “She’s waiting for me here.” Brent’s eyes held the first spark of hope that Tony hadn’t seen in hours. “She wants to go to Claire, but right now she seems to have an issue letting me out of her sight.”
    “Thanks Brent. I mean that.” Tony said, with the most heartfelt gratitude he’d ever known. “You too, Tom. I have total faith in both of you. Now get me the hell out of here.”

When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.
    —Henry Ford

    Despite Brent and Tom’s best efforts, the booking of Mr. Anthony Rawlings did occur, as did the booking of Claire Nichols Rawlings. Her name was no longer in question: documentation had been produced verifying their marriage. It didn’t matter who they were or what their last name was. The accusations were too blatant to not be addressed. The Iowa City Police Department had recorded the call from Ms. Catherine London. The transcripts were leaked to the press. She claimed that she feared for her life, said that Anthony Rawlings had returned from hiding and was talking irrationally about killing her and her guests. She wasn’t only scared for herself but for the Vandersols. Why else would he have returned, but to stop their constant public accusations? When the police arrived, the evidence substantiated her claim. Ms. London had been shot. Simple ballistic tests found gun residue, proving that Claire Rawlings was the shooter. According to the Iowa City chief prosecutor, the case was sad, simple, and straightforward.
    Due to the severity of the crime, the defendants were not granted stationhouse bail and were kept in custody until the complaint was filed and the first appearance before the