without violence and without video replay. To Claire that was a victory. She read her book for a few hours before joining him in sleep.
The next morning when she awoke, he was gone. She knew the tedious schedule of her daily duties had resumed. She didn’t mope. Instead she headed to the exercise room and worked out, back to her suite and showered, then ate breakfast and learned of Tony’s location. Today he was at the office, not home. She sighed with relief. That meant she had until five to do whatever she wanted. Already ten, traveling to and from the lake was a three-and-a-half-hour journey. She would need to get up earlier on days she wanted to go there. Perhaps that would be something she did on days he was out of town. She would miss her lake, but Claire was determined she wasn’t going to risk losing her piece of paradise. She’d wait until a better time to go. Of course, that didn’t mean she couldn’t go into the woods for a walk. So she did. It still felt liberating to get away from the cameras.
That afternoon she spent at the pool. She returned to her suite and showered, ready for instructions by five. Catherine brought word; Mr. Rawlings would be home and they would dine in the dining room at seven. Claire didn’t need Catherine’s help with appropriate clothing, dining room meant formal. She knew how to follow the rules.
At six forty-five Claire went down to the sitting room and waited for dinner. A little after seven Tony joined her. “Good evening, Claire.”
“Good evening, Anthony.” They walked to the dining room.
“I went to your suite expecting to find you there.”
“I apologize. I was told dinner would be in the dining room at seven, I didn’t want to be late.” She emphasized her obedience to his rules. Tony pulled out a chair for Claire, she sat. She couldn’t help notice his eyes, black as night. She knew her impudence had an effect on him and that she needed to be cautious. She was walking a slim hazardous line.
“Your punctuality is dutifully noted. It seems that my absence has helped you remember who is in charge and what guidelines you are to follow.”
“Yes, your absence was advantageous on many counts.” She placed the napkin on her lap. Tony’s eyes were piercing. After a prolonged silence, Claire decided to lighten the mood. “I believe it helped me recognize that I owe you much, not just the money to repay my debt, but the confidence you’ve shown in me.” He was listening. “The confidence to trust me with your intimate beliefs.” She paused and waited. He didn’t comment. “I will not betray that confidence.”
Cindy and Carlos entered the dining room, placed plates with food, and poured water and tea. Claire and Tony remained silent until the staff exited the dining room.
“Claire, if you are being honest with me, then you never cease to amaze me. If, however, you are playing me you will regret it.” His eyes were intense. He wanted to make her confess her scheme.
“Tony, what would I gain by playing you? I am aware that my present, my future, and my release are solely in your hands. I am sorry for my behavior before you left.” She was pretty sure she sounded sincere.
Tony seemed satisfied. He didn’t tell her that it was all right, instead he changed the subject and they ate. After dinner they went out to the gardens for a stroll. It was there he asked about her walks in the woods. How far did she walk? Where did she go? How long was she gone? Claire didn’t want to tell him about the lake, but she was afraid to lie. He could see on the video surveillance that she left the yard at one time and didn’t return until another.
She told him about the multiple clearings, insects, flowers, and animals. Then she told him about the lake. He seemed surprised. He had seen the lake on his flyovers but that had to be six or seven miles from the house. Suddenly, she worried. “Is it still on your land?”
He appreciated her concern, but yes, she’d stayed on his land. As they conversed his eyes lightened. He reached into his breast pocket and brought out a black velvet box. “I found these for you in Italy. I thought they made a nice complement to your necklace.”
Claire opened the box. Inside she discovered a pair of pearl