Convicted (76 page)

“Is today a special occasion?” Nichol asked.

“It sure is!” Tony exclaimed. “It’s your third birthday. I don’t think anything is more special than that!”

Claire leaned closer as Tony wrapped one arm around his wife and held tight to their daughter. Their group hug had the attention of everyone in the room—John, Emily, Michael, Brent, Courtney, Maryn, Caleb, Julia, Meredith, Jerry, their children, Madeline, and Francis. Undoubtedly, it was a
full house
and would be until after Christmas.

Tony and Claire couldn’t think of a better way to thank all of the people who’d worked to keep their daughter safe and helped to make their world right. Truly, it was an unlikely assembly—one brought together against all odds. Some might say that, at one time, this assembly would’ve been considered improbable—maybe even impossible; however, as everyone rejoiced and wished Nichol a happy birthday, they were a family—united with unbreakable bonds.

Their ties had gone through the fires of hell and come out stronger—refined by the flames—not consumed; nevertheless, the safety of their family would never be taken for granted. That was why Eric and Phil where outside, patrolling the shores and watching the skies. Phil had updated the security, both at the estate and on the island. He and Tony both told Claire it was only a precaution. After all, Catherine was in the Iowa State Penitentiary and would be for a long time; however, even Claire realized there would always be threats. The Rawlings were wealthy people, and despite Claire’s dislike for fame, their money would forever make them possible targets. There was no measure Tony or Claire wouldn’t be willing to endure to insure the safety of their family—
all of them
.

Phil looked at the text message and shook his head.

“Did something else arrive?” Eric asked.

“Yes, this one’s also addressed to
Nichol Rawls
. This time, it came with a birthday gift.”

“Has it been opened?”

“Not yet; it has to be scanned to be sure there aren’t any explosives.”

Eric stiffened his neck. “So far, the only clue we’ve had was that one of the envelopes was sealed with female DNA—the feds have ruled out Catherine London.”

“That isn’t enough. Maybe we’ll get more on this one.” Phil squared his shoulders and looked out toward the crystal blue sea. “I believe it goes without saying—I’d have no problem getting rid of this threat once she’s identified, and I think we both know who the most likely candidate is.”

Eric nodded. “After Mr. Rawlings had her fired, it was as if she dropped off the face of the earth.”

“I still support his decision.”

“As do I,” Eric said with pride. “You’d think she’d be smarter than to rehash this shit.”

“I’d go all-in that she’s the sender of these little reminders.”

Eric’s lips formed a straight line. “Next to me, she worked the closest with Mr. Rawlings—for many years.”

“Yeah, she’d certainly know their history. The thing is, I’m not sure if she’s a real physical threat or if she’s just trying to upset Claire”—Phil squared his shoulders—“Either way, when her identity’s confirmed, I promise she won’t be around long enough to stand trial. No one will put them through that again. Besides, there isn’t a person I can’t find.”

“Hmm,” Eric murmured. There was no reason to confirm Phil’s statement; their understanding transcended words. As unlikely as the assembly was up in the big house, so was their intimate family; nevertheless, that was what they were—a family, and Eric and Phil knew the truth. They would do anything within their power to keep their
full house
consequence free.

Next, Learn the story behind the story

—from
Behind His Eyes

Dear Readers,

Thank you! Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Tony and Claire’s story is complete. I like to imagine their life together as one filled with the ups and downs of marriage, parenthood, and life’s other challenges. I don’t believe that each day was easy or that they didn’t face other hurdles. I do believe they overcame. I do believe that they were truly—
the one in a million
—the ones who, with the support of one another, as well as family and friends, were able to overcome insurmountable odds.

They were the ones who played the games and won!

It brings a smile to my face to imagine the scene where a young man arrives onto the Rawlings estate to take Nichol on her first date. The eyes that meet that young man at the door undoubtedly won’t be those of an employee. I foresee a very overprotective father with a warning dark gaze.

There may be more Consequences to tell; however, when it comes to these characters, I’ll leave it up to your imagination. Just know, it does end—and as they say—
they lived happily ever after
!

~Aleatha

Consequences

Truth

Convicted

The CONSEQUENCES SERIES READING COMPANIONS

Books #4, 5, and 6 of the CONSEQUENCES Series

You’ve experienced the CONSEQUENCES, you’ve learned the TRUTH, now you know who was CONVICTED...the time has come to see it from TONY’S point of view!

Each novella will be a collection of significant scenes, from each book, of the CONSEQUENCES Series. These will
not
be full length novels and won’t retell the entire series—
only
significant scenes, and because you asked for it...
Behind His Eyes
will also contain timelines and family trees.

It has been said that to truly understand a person, one must walk a mile in their shoes. BEHIND HIS EYES will be the rare opportunity to step into Anthony Rawlings’ Gucci loafers and experience the
Consequences
from his perspective.