“That’s my story—I’m sticking to it.”

“You know,” Brent continued, “all of your, Claire’s, and Nichol’s things were found in a hotel in Cedar Rapids. Apparently that was where you were staying once you came back to Iowa?”

“Roach is good. Don’t expect him to take you up on that offer to leave town. I know he isn’t sticking around for me, but damn, I’m glad he’s sticking around. He probably has the hospital’s network totally accessed and knows more about Claire than Emily does.” Tony stood and walked toward the wall. “I’ve never liked her. She’s never liked me.” He spun around. “But I fuck’n saved them from that house and this is how the bitch thanks me? Keeping me totally out of the loop. She can’t deny that we’re married.”

“Claire, according to Roach, is awake but unresponsive.”

“What does that mean—unresponsive?”

“She isn’t speaking to anyone, not even Emily or John.”

“What about Nichol? Surely she’ll respond to Nichol.”

“We’re going totally by doctor’s notes only, but I don’t think she has.”

“Get me the hell out of here and let me see her. She’ll respond to me.”

“I’m working on it. Your first appearance before the judge is scheduled for early tomorrow morning.” Before Tony could blow at the prospect of spending another night in the jail, Brent continued, “Judge Jefferies will accommodate your proposal. It took a little longer to get on his docket, but the end result will be guaranteed bail. It was a trade-off: I thought it was the right move. If your bail request were denied at first appearance, it would be more difficult to have that decision reversed. You’re getting a lot of press on this as it is. I don’t want to add fuel to the fire.”

“Fine, one more night in this hell-hole and then I can sleep in my own bed. What about Claire? When is her first appearance?”

“I’m trying to learn. I’ve got a clerk at Evergreen’s office who will let me know as soon as the complaint is officially filed and the date is set. I’d assume today or tomorrow. They can use her medical condition as an excuse, but rarely does the first appearance go longer than seventy-two hours from the time the complaint is filed.”

“Whatever the amount is for her bail or mine, have it ready. Neither one of us will be in jail long. And what about Catherine? She needs to rot in this jail.”

“Tony, Eric showed me the footage from the office at the estate. Right now, you’re being charged with intimidation, accessory to commit murder, and eluding the FBI. If we show anyone that footage, I’m sure that your list of charges will increase. Are you sure you want all of that to get out there?”

Tony stared incredulously. “Are you kidding me? Hell yes! I’m willing to admit to anything to show the judge what that bitch is capable of doing.”

“Let’s get you out first. Then you can take the tapes to Evergreen.”

Tony’s head ached as he massaged his temples. “She sure as shit better not be anywhere near my house.”

“She’s still in the hospital. That’s why I believe we have time. She’s playing the victim card, and I don’t expect her to change her tune anytime soon.”

“Get me out of here.”

“Tomorrow morning, you’ll be out.”

“If Jefferies screws me, he’ll regret it.”

“He won’t,” Brent assured.

The Rawlings attorneys made a little headway. Instead of being part of the normal parade of defendants, Anthony Rawlings was granted a private first appearance in Judge Jefferies’ courtroom. All members of the press and spectators were removed, leaving only Tony and Brent, as well as the prosecutor, stenographer, and judge.

The judge’s tone resounded through the cavernous courtroom, speaking with the authority expected of one in such a position. He never faltered in his reiteration of the charges levied against the great Anthony Rawlings. Tony too, never wavered, as he stood before the judge dressed in his customary Armani tailored suit.

“Mr. Rawlings, you have been charged with intimidation, eluding federal agents, assault with the intent to commit bodily harm, two counts of false imprisonment, and accessory to attempted murder. While most of these charges are misdemeanors, accessory to commit murder and false imprisonment are felonies. Accessory to attempted murder can be punishable by up to five years in a federal penitentiary, while each charge of false imprisonment can reach a maximum penalty of twenty years. Do you understand these charges?”

Standing confidently, Tony’s dark eyes shot toward Brent. He hadn’t mentioned the false imprisonment charge. Turning back toward the judge, Tony replied, “I do, Your Honor.”

“Do you also understand that you may not leave the country before or during these proceedings?”

“I do.”

“Very well, it is the opinion of this court that bail will be set at—”

“Judge Jefferies,” Marcus Evergreen interrupted. “While I want to believe Mr. Rawlings that he will not flee, he definitely has the means, and due to recent events, the ability to disappear. We recommend that Mr. Rawlings’ request for bail be denied.”

“Thank you for your recommendation, Counselor. This is my courtroom, and it is my opinion that Mr. Rawlings has ties to this community, as well as a family. I have decided to grant bail in the amount of $10,000,000.”