Truth Read Free Page A

keep the assignment to herself. In the world
of money and influence, anyone could be tempted to inform Anthony
Rawlings of her impending quest.
    She wasn’t accusing anyone, at any level, of
wrong doing. It was only that Claire made claims, real valiant
assertions and accusations. Like mist from a lake into the cool
evening sky, her testimony evaporated. Over a year later, no one --
not even nosey reporters -- had the slightest inclination of the
possible alternate personality of Iowa’s golden boy. Some small
voice within Jane’s soul warned her not to share her current
activities. Once complete, she would request a meeting with the
partners of the firm. Hopefully, they would understand. At this
moment, Jane chose to worry about Claire, instead of possible
personal consequences.
    Unbelievably, the list of pardoned
individuals released to the media following the press conference
didn’t include Claire Nichols. Yet, the document was in Jane’s
possession. Pulling into the visitor’s parking area, Jane Allyson
tingled with anticipation. Fourteen months ago she wasn’t able to
help her client. Today she would.
    The elation vaporized with
an unexpected realization. Jane stood statuesque, her hand upon the
door, immobilized by a thought, who has
$100,000 available to free Claire from prison? She’d been so attached to the premise that it was someone who feared
Anthony Rawlings. What if instead of someone who feared him, what if
it was him ? Could
it be? But why?
    By submitting the
petition, instead of being a rebel, could Jane be a pawn? What if
the freedom she was about to grant Claire was nothing more than an
enticement to a web? Her hand held the door handle, and her stomach
lurched. Jane couldn’t let these thoughts stop her forward
progress. Claire Nichols deserved freedom. Jane needed to intercede
and assure Claire’s freedom wasn’t only from the state of Iowa,
but out of
Iowa.
     
    An eerie florescent glow
illuminated the small dingy visitor’s room. The artificial light
added to the coolness of the metal table and chairs. Jane continued
to check her watch. How long does it take
to bring a prisoner to this room?
    The answer was thirteen minutes. Nearly
thirteen minutes after Jane’s arrival to the small colorless room
the door opened. Accompanied by a guard, Claire Nichols entered and
sat in the opposing chair. She looked much as Jane remembered, with
her brown hair pulled back into a ponytail. Although her complexion
was pale, even without makeup, her eyes were still the vivid green.
Though similar in stature to herself, the prisoner appeared more
petite inside her Iowa issued jumpsuit.
    “ Jane, I’m surprised to
see you. Why are you here?” Claire’s inquiry sounded amazingly
strong.
    “ Have you heard of a
pardon?’
    “ Yes, it’s something the
president does before he leaves office. Why?”
    “ Because it’s also
something the governor does before leaving office.”
    Claire’s green eyes narrowed as she searched
for words. “I don’t understand.”
    “ Governor Bosley has
cancer. He resigned from office today.”
    “ I’m sorry to hear that. I
believe he attended my wedding.” She paused momentarily
contemplating the information, “What did you just say about a
pardon?”
    “ Claire, he signed a
number of pardons before his resignation. The one I came to talk to
you about is yours.”
    Claire heard Jane’s words. She tried
diligently to process the information, but it wasn’t making sense.
Words weren’t forming. Tears were.
    Jane watched as her former
client struggled with her new reality. “First, you must accept the
pardon.” Jane pulled the paper from her brief case and placed it on
the smooth surface in front of Claire. “Once you do, you are
free.”
    The prisoner stared at the document before
her. She read her name and the charges. Governor Bosley’s signature
was present with the official state stamp of Iowa. Only one line
remained blank, the line for her signature. When