Truth - Romig Aleatha (читать книги полностью без сокращений бесплатно txt) 📗

As Abbey helped Claire back to bed, she handed Claire a folded note. “This is for you. I was supposed to deliver it once you woke.”

Claire took the paper and opened it:

I hope you and our baby are feeling better.

Perhaps you’ll feel up to arguing your destination

following your release.

(I am definitely ready) Claire couldn’t help but smile. 

I want to see you.

However, I realize you need to speak to the others and

I don’t want you to overdo. I’m staying nearby.

Call me at the number below when you’re ready

for my visit. I’ll be there in minutes.

Fighting tears, she closed the note. At one time, Tony would never have given her the time and space she needed to deal with her family and friends. Although she wanted to feel his reassuring embrace, at this moment, his absence meant more and filled her heart with reassurance.

“Is there anything else I can get you?” Abbey asked.

“I would love some food. Can I eat?”

“Yes, I’ll get you an order card. You have many people who’ve been patiently waiting. Are you ready for visitors?”

“If Mr. Baldwin is here, would you please ask him to come in?”

Claire’s pulse increased and her stomach twisted. As Harry entered, she saw his clean shirt and freshly shaven face. “You went home?”

He held her hand; the spark she’d seen in his eyes yesterday was gone, the resulting dullness infiltrated his voice, “According to the nurse you didn’t want visitors. She said you were going to sleep. I knew you and the baby were healthy, so I went home.”

“Good, I’m glad you got a good night’s sleep.”

“I went home. I didn’t say I got a good night’s sleep.”

Claire raised her eyebrows.

“Tell me, Claire, what you wanted to tell me Sunday night. It wasn’t that we are having a baby, was it?”

She squeezed his hand. “No. It wasn’t.”

His face lowered to his chest. “I knew that last night, as soon as I saw his face and your expression when he arrived.”

“Thank you for saving him from John.”

“I don’t think your ex needs saving from anyone. Although you have to admit John has legitimate reasons for his feelings.”

Claire knew Harry was right, and she didn’t want to rehash any of that. “Still, thanks.”

“He saved you. I don’t want to even think about the injuries you endured because I didn’t answer his first call.”

“Harry, there are plenty of medals to go around; one is definitely yours!”

“Tell me – when?” His voice now distant, “Was it the night of the gala?”

“No!” She fought the urge to be defensive. “I told you, nothing happened that night.” She took a deep breath and continued, “It was the day he came to the condominium. I don’t want to discuss it, but the ultrasound confirmed the baby is two weeks older than it could be if you were the father.”

Harry nodded. Finally, he asked, “He already knew, didn’t he?”

“Yes, I told him this past weekend. I wasn’t sure I would, but I did.”

“What else happened this past weekend?”

Claire looked down. “Harry, I can’t tell you how much your friendship has meant to me; you’ve been so supportive. I understand if you want to hate me.” She looked up into his sad expression. His blue eyes looked distant. Her heart ached knowing she was the cause, “But, I hope you won’t.”

He stood and walked toward the door, “Are you ready to tell everyone? They want to see you.”

To Harry’s credit, he didn’t let on to the others that there were issues, or that he wasn’t the father of Claire’s baby. Immediately, Emily embraced her sister and began crying. Next it was Amber’s turn. Besides telling Claire how happy they were she was all right, they both told her how delighted they were about the baby. Both couldn’t wait to be aunts. After enduring everyone’s good wishes, Claire braced herself for comments about Tony’s visit.

She decided it was better to allow everyone their say. The comments started slow and continued with increased velocity. Finally, Harry stopped the barrage, “Are any of you interested to hear Claire’s point of view?”

Although she was grateful for his support, in a way, it made her feel worse. “I let him in. I wanted him here, because things have changed.” How could Claire make her chess pieces understand? “I’m not denying any of his past sins. However, some of what we’ve assumed were his I’ve learned weren’t. But, nonetheless, I’m very much aware of all he’s done. With that said, the baby I’m carrying isn’t Harry’s.” She waited while realization came to those around her. Amber went to Harry’s side and put her arm around him.

“I’ve known since last night,” Harry told his sister, “but I thought Claire should be the one to tell everyone. I’m disappointed, but listen; she’s still having a baby, that’s a miracle.”

“Anthony’s baby?!” Emily exclaimed. “How could you?!”

“Yes,” Claire replied defensively, “your niece or nephew.”

John didn’t speak. His eyes sent daggers toward anyone willing to look his way. Finally, he walked from the room. When the door shut, Claire exhaled.

Emily used the moment to attack, “I don’t know why you’re relieved John left. I’ll have you know, your attack, injuries, and probably your pregnancy would be all over the internet and television if it weren’t for John. He immediately set about with a do not disclose order against the hospital. Your newly found friend – lover – ex-captor – I don’t even know what to call him, took away John’s life and law license, but your brother-in-law still managed to be here for you.”

“Please, tell him thank you. What does the press know?” Suddenly she thought of Meredith. Claire didn’t want her book under production.

Harry sounded as though he were describing an unknown news story. “The police and ambulance were called to your condominium. You went to the hospital in an ambulance. An intruder was taken from your condominium after suffering deadly gunshot wounds.”

“Could someone bring me my phone? I need to call someone.”

“It’s at the condo.” Amber replied. “You’re probably coming home today, can it wait?”

Claire didn’t know. She didn’t want Meredith publishing anything prematurely.

Their conversation was interrupted by the delivery of Claire’s breakfast. She opened each plate with reserved anticipation: eggs, orange juice, toast, and tea. As she inspected the food, Abbey reentered.

“Ladies and gentleman, I understand how happy you are to have Claire and baby Nichols doing well. But, she needs her rest. I’m restricting her to two visitors at a time.”

Harry spoke first, “I need to get to work. Claire, I wish you well, and I‘m trying. We both need some time.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you.”

Amber came forward and hugged Claire. “I’m disappointed and confused. But more than anything, I’m happy you and your baby are safe.” Her smile sparkled, “I guess it wasn’t food poisoning, was it?”

Claire shook her head and smiled. “No, it wasn’t.”

“I don’t know your plans, but you can stay with me as long as you want.”

Claire remembered her impending argument with Tony. “I really don’t know what I’m going to do, but thanks for the offer.”

Once Amber left the room and Emily and Claire were alone, Emily spoke first, “What do you mean you don’t know what you’re going to do? Are you seriously considering moving back to that prison?”

Claire closed her eyes. “I don’t know. Tony wants me to move back to Iowa. I was resisting, but, after Patrick Chester, I just don’t know. At least on his estate, I’m safe and so is my baby.”