Consequences
Page 41

Catherine and Dr. Leonard rushed into the suite. Dr. Leonard pushed forward, toward his patient. Obviously, he was as concerned as everyone else with her cognitive abilities. So far, Tony didn’t know what to think. He only knew she was finally awake. He looked to the doctor and silently mouthed, “I don’t know.”
“Ms. Nichols, I’m Dr. Leonard. I’ve been taking care of you since Mr. Rawlings found you in the woods. Can you talk to me?”
Claire lifted her right hand to her throat.
They all smiled; Claire was trying to communicate. The doctor spoke, “Catherine, could you please get Ms. Nichols some water?” When she returned, Dr. Leonard put the straw to Claire’s lips and commanded, “Drink slowly; your stomach has been empty for a while.”
Claire began to sip.
The doctor turned to Tony. “Mr. Rawlings, as you can imagine, this is a very good sign. Due to the length of time Ms. Nichols was unconscious, I was hesitant to make any predictions. I believe we have just passed an important juncture in her care and with that, my prognosis for her has greatly improved.” He removed the straw from her lips.
“Please, that was so good,” Claire said. The room went silent. Everyone turned to her.
Tony spoke first, “Claire, thank God. How do you feel?”
“I feel—I feel—tired—and kind of dizzy.” Her voice quivered unsteadily.
“Mr. Rawlings, I need to ask you and Catherine to allow Ms. Nichols some privacy while I examine her.”
Catherine nodded and stood; however, Tony didn’t want to let go of Claire’s hand. He could gaze into her eyes forever. “Doctor, I can assure you, there is nothing I haven’t seen. I don’t believe Claire will mind if I stay.”
“Mr. Rawlings, I realize you hired me; however, as a medical doctor, I need to see and speak to Ms. Nichols alone. You’ll be welcomed back as soon as we’re done.” Tony stared at Dr. Leonard. The doctor continued, “Mr. Rawlings, she is not related to you. We must allow her some privacy.”
Tony knew that the doctor was right. It was that, as he released her hand, Tony had the ominous feeling that he’d never hold it again. All it would take was for Claire to tell Dr. Leonard the truth, and the judgment he’d weeks ago been willing to accept, would be his. For so long, he didn’t know if Claire would ever be able to tell the truth. Even now, he wasn’t sure if she remembered it, but something about the way she looked at him while they were alone, told him she did remember. He squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry, Doctor,” he said to Dr. Leonard. “You’re right. It’s just that it’s been so long since she’s been awake. I don’t want to leave her.” Standing, he continued, “I will; I’ll be right outside the door. Please call me when you’re finished.” He then leaned over, kissed Claire on her forehead, and took one last long gaze into her beautiful green eyes.
Catherine was waiting in the hallway. As soon as he shut the door, she said, “What are you going to do if she tells?”
“What do you mean, what will I do? What choice do I have?”
Their voices were a stage whisper as they walked away from Claire’s suite. “You have money. You have a lot of money. That money bought silence once before—it can do it again.”
“Dr. Leonard already knows what happened. He’s all but told me.”
Catherine stood taller. “Anton, think! You aren’t thinking straight. You refused to silence Claire—silence Dr. Leonard.”
His eyes opened wide. “What the hell are you suggesting?”
Catherine shook her head. “Not that. I’m suggesting money. Everyone has his price. Pull up the monitor on your phone and learn what she’s saying. Be prepared. For God’s sake, do you think your grandfather would have wanted you to come this far to lose everything because of one mistake with a Nichols girl?” She reached for his shoulders. “It was an accident. They happen. Stop berating yourself and act like the man Nathaniel knew you could be.” She took a deep breath. “Anton, I’ve seen that man. I know he’s there. I’ve watched him succeed against all odds. Look around you. You did this. You made Nathaniel’s fortune and more. You are Anton Rawls/Anthony Rawlings. Don’t let this derail everything.”
He didn’t like what he was hearing, but now that Claire was all right, now that he knew she would survive, it was easier to take a step back. It was an accident. They’d been working too long and had too many triumphs to let it all unravel. He nodded and pulled the phone from his pocket. As he began to bring up the app, he thought about money. How much would this cost him? Catherine’s accident cost him a substantial payment each year. If he could pay for her mistake, he could pay for his own. Dr. Leonard did seem like a respectable doctor; nevertheless, money had enticed him to step away from his own practice for two weeks—if it could do that, the possibilities were limitless.
The screen was small, yet when he held it out, both he and Catherine could see and hear. Claire was speaking, “… I’m very tired and my memories are fuzzy.”
“It’s all right,” Dr. Leonard said. “Let me put your bed back.” He pushed the button to recline the bed and continued to inquire. “Now, please, what do you remember?”
“Doctor, I’m going to get sick.” Claire sat up with a wince. The doctor grabbed a basin, and the water Claire had drunk came back up. Tony felt Catherine’s hand on his shoulder.