Free Truth by Aleatha Romig Page B

without
complete confidentiality.”
    “ Forgive me, but I would
like that in writing. I don’t want to see on tomorrow’s news that I
sold my wedding rings.” She recognized such information could make
headlines.
    “ That can certainly be
arranged. Now Mr. Nichols?”
    “ Nichols is my maiden
name. My married name was Rawlings, as in Mrs. Anthony
Rawlings.”
    The broker stood silently for a few seconds
taking in her words and looking at her anew. Claire watched as the
light of recognition filled his eyes. “Ms. Nichols, you’ve changed
your hair since your wedding. I saw a picture today…”
    “ Yes, Mr. Pulvara, many
things have changed since my wedding, including my desire to wear
these rings. Are you interested in assessing their value and
sharing that amount with me?”
    “ Please, Ms. Nichols, have
a seat and allow me some time. May I remove the stones from the
settings?”
    “ If I do not like your
price, will you put them back?”
    “ Of course.”
    Claire saw chairs against
the wall. She nodded to the broker, sat, and watched as he weighed,
measured, and performed other tests. Then he consulted his computer
and made notes. Claire remembered Vanity
Fair estimated the value of her engagement
ring around $400,000. She honestly had no idea if that was accurate
or sensationalism. If it were accurate, it would make one bit of information
in that article factual.
    Almost forty minutes later, Mr. Pulvara
finally spoke, “Ms. Nichols, if you would please join me, I’ll
explain my appraisal.”
     
    Claire stepped from the bank onto the
sunshine warmed afternoon sidewalk. The multitude of people filled
her with exhilaration. She’d just met with the bank’s investment
specialist and diversified her new found riches. Employment was
still desired. However, the need was no longer dire. Tony’s desire
for quality and appearance now allowed Claire time. It was the time
she would use to complete her research.
    Before entering the
parking garage Claire removed her iPhone, checked the time, 4:32 PM
and typed a text: IS ANYONE AVAILABLE TO
CELEBRATE? DINNER IS ON ME! She entered
Amber and Harry as recipients and hit: SEND .
    A few hours later the three sat chatting at
an authentic Brazilian steakhouse in the heart of downtown Palo
Alto. Neither Amber nor Harry argued with Claire’s declaration to
purchase dinner. They ordered wine, read the menu, and debated
appetizers and entrees. Although they were surrounded by other
patrons, the three talked and laughed about their day’s activities.
Their goblets touched in a toast to Claire’s transaction.
    Amber entertained them with multiple stories
of SiJo focus groups. Apparently a recent group had extreme varied
opinions on one of their newest games. It amused Claire how Amber
could laugh about negative reviews and joke about comments. That
wasn’t to say the creators didn’t consider the opinions of the
focus groups. They did.
    As their celebration
concluded and Claire added cream to her coffee, her disposable
cellphone buzzed. Pulling it from her purse, she apologized, “I’m
so sorry, but this is probably Emily. She said she’s getting a new
phone. I need to answer it.” Her chair scooted back as she hit
the CALL button.
She hadn’t noticed the number on the screen as she said,
“Hi.”
    Claire intended to move to a hall or outside
to speak, but the voice in her ear caused her knees to buckle and
her face to blanch. She recognized it immediately, “Good Evening,
Claire.”
    She collapsed into her chair. Both Amber and
Harry watched in horror. “Are you all right?” They asked in
unison.
    Claire managed to shake
her head. No , she
wasn’t all right. She still hadn’t spoken.
    The husky, deep, baritone
voice coming through the ear piece did. “Now Claire, we’ve been
through this before. It is customary for one person to respond to
the greeting of another. I said, good
evening .”
    “ Hello,” she managed,
finding her voice. It was difficult to allow