Behind His Eyes - Convicted: The Missing Years (12 page)

“Catherine, how are you feeling?” John asked with true concern in his voice.

“Mr. Vandersol, I-I…”

John stepped closer. “Catherine, we’ve been through this before. I’m nothing like that man. Please call me John.” Motioning to his side, he said, “This is Jane Allyson. She’s Claire’s defense attorney. We’re hoping you could tell us something, anything, that would help with Claire’s defense and help nail Rawlings to the proverbial wall.”

The gray behind her pained eyes showed a spark of interest. “That’s why you’re here?”

Jane tenderly replied, “Ms. London, I understand this is difficult for you. You’ve worked for him for so long. It’s understandable how devastating it would be to have someone you’ve trusted most of your life turn on you.”

A single tear descended Catherine’s cheek. “There’s so much. Did you know Sophia Burke died?” More tears cascaded as she closed her eyes and shook her head. “And you, Mr.—I mean—John, the police said that you were trapped in the suite during the fire? I don’t know how that could have happened. How did Mr. Rawlings even know where you were? I hadn’t seen him in months. I thought he and Claire were dead…” Her voice trailed away.

Jane touched Catherine’s hand. “Can you please tell us why you called the police?”

Catherine adjusted the buttons on the hospital bed. As she sat straighter, her expression turned into a grimace.

“How are you doing?” John asked.

“I’ll be all right. The bullet didn’t do any lasting damage. Thankfully, they were able to remove it, and it missed my vital organs.” She winced as she settled into a more comfortable position. “I’m pretty sore. I don’t think I’ll be running any marathons for a while.”

“Ms. London, why did you call the police?” Jane asked again.

Her gray eyes clouded as she replayed the memory of the crucial afternoon. “I had just had lunch with…” she looked toward John. “…you, your wife, and Sophia. Then I went into the home office to check my emails. When I opened the door, imagine my shock. Mr. Rawlings was seated at the desk. It didn’t take long for him to start accusing me of vile things. I had no idea what he was even saying. It didn’t make any sense. He spoke about his grandfather and his parents. The way he was ranting and raving…” She closed her eyes and another tear found its escape. When she opened them, her voice was meeker, “It was like how he used to be to her. I was frightened.”

John’s license to practice law didn’t give him that ability in the state of Iowa; nevertheless, he couldn’t stop the question that had burned in him since he’d first learned the truth about Claire and Anthony’s beginning. “Catherine, why didn’t you help Claire back then?”

“I did all I could do. I tried to make it better.”

John nodded. He’d heard the stories of how Catherine had been Claire’s saving grace, especially during the first months. “But surely you knew what he was doing. Why didn’t you report him?”

“I wanted to.” She looked down to her lap and her voice trailed away. “I should have. I’m sorry, I was so scared…” After a deep breath she straightened her shoulders and continued, “That’s why I called the police. After being away from him for so long, I felt stronger than I had in years. I refused to go back to the way things were. I didn’t want that for Claire or for me. Then when she arrived, she was so scared. I could tell she felt trapped.”

Jane pushed forward. “Why would Claire, the person you’d helped, try to shoot you?”

Catherine’s head tilted from side to side. “I don’t know. Was she? I mean, I was trying to protect the baby—Nichol, right?—from Mr. Rawlings. Claire was yelling. I don’t know if she was trying to shoot me. That wouldn’t make sense. Perhaps she was trying to finally be free. I can certainly relate.” She turned again to John. “Is it true what the press is saying? Is it true that Claire isn’t communicating with anyone?”

This time, John was the one to nod. “Damn press. Yes, it’s true.”

“How long do the doctors think it’ll be…I mean, before she can remember?”

“They don’t know. We’d hoped that she’d snap out of it before now. She rarely wakes, but when she does, she doesn’t speak and only stares. It’s like we’re not even there. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Catherine’s brows peaked. “She’s not saying anything?”

“She only speaks in her sleep. She calls out for him.”

“John, please tell Emily that I’m sorry I didn’t do more for her sister. I truly tried to help, the only way I knew how.”

“I will. Perhaps she’ll be by to visit?”

For the first time since their arrival, Catherine smiled. “That would be nice. I’d like that.”

Catherine’s attorney spoke, “My client has been through a lot. If you’d like to return, contact me first. If you have no further questions…”

After their visit, John and Jane spoke for hours contemplating Claire’s defense. It appeared clear: Claire didn’t try to shoot Catherine. She was trying to get away from Anthony Rawlings, again. Unfortunately, the Iowa City police weren’t as easily satisfied. Although her previous record had been expunged, everyone knew that the current charge of attempted murder levied against Claire Nichols Rawlings, was not her first. The question for her new legal team was how would Claire respond? The longer she remained incoherent, the more likely it seemed that Jane would be forced to file a
not guilty by reason of insanity
plea. While often an attempt at a lesser sentence, or more accurately hospitalization versus incarceration, this plea would be Claire’s true stance. If things stayed status quo, medical authentication wouldn’t be a problem.

John’s visit to Catherine, seeing the fear in her eyes as she talked about Anthony’s temper, helped him decide to pursue the protective order. This woman had worked for Rawlings for the better part of her life, and yet she seemed terrified. There was no way that John could sit back and let Claire and Nichol go back to him. Many years ago, when Emily and Claire’s parents died, he took on the role as man of the house. It wasn’t an old-fashioned
do as I say
role. No, it was one of protector and provider. Never had he considered it cumbersome. On the contrary, after knowing Jordon and Shirley Nichols, John felt it an honor to watch over both of their precious daughters. The way he saw it, he’d failed Claire too many times. Later that night as he rocked his niece to sleep, John Vandersol swore he wouldn’t allow it to happen again, not to Claire and not to Nichol.

The morning of Anthony Rawlings’ first court appearance, Jane Allyson insisted that neither John nor Emily be present in Claire’s hospital room. She had a sheriff’s deputy strategically positioned, ready to serve Rawlings with the protective order. The Iowa City policemen outside of Claire’s door didn’t hurt. Of course, they were present because Claire was officially in police custody. Jane promised that she’d stay with Claire, and if need be, she’d speak with Mr. Rawlings.

Had it not been for the gleam in her eye as she discussed a possible confrontation, John may have refused. However, that sparkle was present. Jane assured them that she’d had more than one run-in with the infamous Anthony Rawlings, and she wasn’t intimidated. Though Emily didn’t want to leave, John agreed. It would be better to have Rawlings walk through a restraining order and be greeted by Iowa City’s finest and Jane Allyson than by Emily and John. The volatile scene had the potential of becoming a full-out war. John was done being Mr. Nice Guy.

It’d been a long few days. As the memories of everything began to quiet and much-needed rest crept upon John’s tired body, he did his best to find a comfortable position in the hospital recliner by Claire’s bed. So far, Anthony hadn’t attempted to break the restraining order, and the police were still present. After all, she’d recently been officially booked and charged with attempted murder. John’s only disagreement with the charge was the victim. Claire would never try to kill Catherine.

Just as sleep was about to win, the hospital door opened and Emily entered carrying the car seat Roach had given them only a few days ago. John rushed forward, kissed Emily’s cheek, and reached for the small seat. “You shouldn’t be carrying this all over.”

Emily scoffed. “I’m fine. I’m tired, but carrying Nichol isn’t going to hurt our baby. She barely weighs a thing.”

His brow scrunched as he lifted the pink blanket. “Hi, little girl, why don’t you weigh more? Aren’t you eating for your Aunt Em?”

Stifling a giggle, Emily answered. “Oh, no. She’s finally eating—and, boy, is she eating. I think maybe we’re finding a routine.”

John lifted Nichol, removing her from the confines of the straps and blankets as her little legs kicked. “I think she likes getting free of that seat.” He glanced toward the bed. Though the monitors hadn’t changed their monotonous beeps, Claire’s eyes were open. John walked toward the bed. “Claire, look who came to see you. Can you please sit up?” Instead of moving, her eyes shut as if not hearing or recognizing the commotion around her.

“Claire, why don’t you sit up? I’ll get you some water,” Emily prompted. More out of obedience, as Emily pushed the buttons on the bed, Claire moved herself to a sitting position. Once she was upright, Emily handed her a Styrofoam cup with a straw. When Claire didn’t reach for it, Emily placed it closer. Claire leaned forward, and sucked from the straw. Lowering the side rail, Emily scooted next to her sister. “Hi, sweetie, I know you’re hearing me. I think Nichol needs her mommy. What do you think?”

Again, she didn’t respond.

John came forward and placed Nichol across Claire’s lap. Emily encouraged Claire’s movements while her daughter kicked with glee, rooting toward her mother. Unfazed, Claire sat stoically, gazing not at her beautiful child, but toward the blind-covered window. When Nichol’s cries broke the trance, hers weren’t the only cheeks that were damp.

I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

—FBI oath of office

Associated Press:

Iowa City, Iowa, USA

The Iowa City Police Department has finally confirmed that Anthony Rawlings, missing CEO of Rawlings Industries, has been located and arrested in regard to an alleged incident occurring at his estate outside of Iowa City, Iowa, USA. This alleged incident also included Claire Nichols Rawlings, who was reported missing on September 4, 2013, by Mr. Rawlings himself.

According to Iowa City police records, unbeknownst to family and friends, Anthony and Claire Rawlings remarried at an undisclosed location in October of 2013. It has not been confirmed, but it has been mentioned that the two wed outside of the United States. Mrs. Rawlings’s family confirmed that while missing, the couple gave birth to a daughter. No more information regarding the child has been released.

In regard to the alleged incident, Mr. Anthony Rawlings has been charged with intimidation, eluding federal agents, assault with the intent to commit bodily harm, two counts of false imprisonment, and accessory to commit murder. Mrs. Claire Rawlings has been charged with attempted murder. The alleged victim was identified as Ms. Catherine London, a longtime employee of Anthony Rawlings. She is still hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, said to be the result of a single gunshot.

The motive for the return of this high-profile couple, as well as the motive for the alleged crime, has not been disclosed.

The door bounced off the wall as Agent Baldwin determinedly entered SAC William’s office in the San Francisco FBI field office. Indignantly, Agent Williams looked up, disgust evident in his expression. “Baldwin, I assume your entry is in relation to your resignation.”

“Sir,” Harry managed through gritted teeth. “The Associated Press? I devote over a year of my life and career to a case, and I learn that Rawlings and Claire have been arrested in Iowa from the
Associated Press
?”