Standing and extending his hand as John approached him at the restaurant where they met, Tim said, “John, thank you for meeting with me. I know this isn’t a good time. I also know that you’ll be leaving town again soon, and I so wanted to discuss this offer with you in person before you did.”

John shook Tim’s hand and had a seat. Being one of the nicer restaurants in the area, the waiter was present immediately, assessing the needs of the two men. Once he walked away, John responded, “I’m curious, Mr. Bronson, not to mention very surprised.”

“Please, call me Tim. We’ve known each other for years. I’m not much into titles. I’m into this company. Despite decisions that Tony has made in his private life, his work ethic and business sense has always been spot on and impeccable.”

John listened.

“You have been very vocal about your feelings toward your brother-in-law. I respect that. From what I’ve seen, you’re a family man, and you feel that your family has been wronged.”

John nodded, “My family as well as me.”

It was Tim’s turn to nod. “Yes, Brent filled me in on some past history. I assure you, that the business side of Rawlings is and always has been separate from the personal side. I didn’t know about…” he hesitated “…well, any of the personal dealings.” He corrected. “I of course knew about Claire, that they were married. Sue and I were there. However, we didn’t know about any of the other things. I can honestly tell you that I wouldn’t have cared if he were my boss or not; I wouldn’t have been able to sit idly by if I had any idea—”

John interrupted, “Please, Tim, I’ve heard all I want to hear about Claire and Anthony’s first marriage. I’ve read the book, and I don’t care to see the movie. I’ve heard the same thing from everyone. They did a good job keeping it hidden. Obviously, neither Emily nor I were aware. We can’t hold others accountable if we ourselves weren’t to blame. No matter the reason he did it or she didn’t tell, was their choice. I don’t have to agree, but I think I’ve come to terms with it. They remarried, and from all accounts, it was a mutual decision based on feelings versus contracts. I can only hope that at some time my sister-in-law was happy.”

What John didn’t say—what he couldn’t say—was the why of how he’d come to terms with it. Ironically, it was the same reason Emily couldn’t. It was Claire. For a while the doctors questioned her ability to speak. Most of what she said was difficult to understand and jumbled. However, what she did say with some clarity was the name Tony. Over and over, especially while in a sleep-like state. It seemed like it was at those times, when she was absent in mind, that she was the most at peace. John couldn’t explain it, and Emily didn’t see it the same way, but there was something about seeing her during those times that touched John’s heart.

“That’s what I want to discuss—Claire and Nichol.”

John leaned forward, his voice lower than usual. “Tim, I respect you and what you’re doing for Rawlings Industries, but I will not discuss Claire’s condition nor will I allow Nichol to be part of the media circus that seems to surround Anthony.”

Tim shook his head. “No, John, that’s not what I mean.” A slight grin came to his lips. “But I do have to say, if you would include Claire and Nichol’s company—their financial future—in that protective umbrella you have over them, I believe you’d be the perfect addition to Rawlings Industries.”

Leaning back, John relaxed a little. “I’m listening.”

“You and I aren’t far apart in age. Brent Simmons has been an asset to Rawlings and to Tony. His allegiance is to his friend and his friend’s company. No matter what happens to Rawlings Industries and the tens of thousands of employees, Anthony Rawlings will do fine when he is out of prison. I believe that Brent has been through some difficult times over the years. Through it all he’s stayed steadfast with Tony. I can only imagine that when Tony decides to retire, so will Brent. Tom too has been wonderful. I want someone else heading up the legal department who can both learn from those two men, as well as stick around, hopefully with me, and take Rawlings Industries into the future.”

“You mentioned Claire and Nichol,” John reminded.

“I don’t think that they will ever be destitute. Tony is too smart for that. However, with the publicity regarding Nichol’s parents, the best way to make her future easier is to have the good outweigh the bad. I want to see Rawlings Industries not only continue as the powerhouse that it was, but to forge a path for the future. I believe that with the right people we can not only bring back what we once had, but make it better…”

John listened as Tim laid out his goals and objectives. Wealth builds wealth, power builds power. Anthony Rawlings began Rawlings Industries with nothing. He and his friend had an idea and from there it mushroomed. It was an atomic bomb in the world of computers. Right time. Right place. Along the way there have been difficult decisions. Companies have been closed, but more have been opened. The economy is trying to rebound. It will take companies like Rawlings Industries, ones who are willing to reach down to the smallest of subsidiaries and lend the needed guidance, to keep people working.

Tim wasn’t afraid to address the difficult subjects, yet he added the personal touch. “When Tony first re-introduced Claire into our fold, I’ll admit that Sue and I were skeptical. After all, the last we’d heard, she was incarcerated for attempted murder.”