Convicted

  Copyright © 2013 Aleatha Romig

  Published by Aleatha Romig

  2013 Edition

  Edited by Lucy D’Andrea and Sherry Weir

  ISBN e-book: 978-0-9884891-4-1

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book is available in print from most on line retailers.

  2013 Edition License

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the appropriate retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Interior design by Angela McLaurin, Fictional Formats

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Epilogue

  -A Note from Aleatha-

  -Behind His Eyes-

  -Aleatha Romig-

  Thank you to everyone who has made my story and Tony and Claire—real!

  I couldn’t continue to spend untold hours sitting at my computer and interacting with readers if it weren’t for the love, devotion, AND patience of my husband and children. Thank you!

  Thank you to my fantastic group of betas, affectionately known as Aleatha’s Angels! Your direction and honesty has helped to create CONVICTED! I couldn’t, and wouldn’t want to, do it without you! Thank you, Sherry, Val, Angie, Kelli, Heather, and our newest angel Kirsten! Believe me—from time to time—it takes angels to put up with me!

  A special thank you to Ilona, a wonderful reader who won a contest and was allowed to name one of the characters in CONVICTED—thank you Ilona—I hope you enjoy your character!

  To my agent, Danielle Egan-Miller and my editor, Lucy D’Andrea, thank you! I continue to learn from your wisdom every day!

  I absolutely love creating and continuing this saga, but it has been the outpouring of encouragement and support that I’ve received from the best readers in the world that made this a wonderful journey. I can’t thank you all enough for the continued love which you have shown to me! Whether it is in person—at an author event or online—I hope you know how much your kind words have meant! Thank you!!

  I also, hope that you’ll understand how difficult it was for me to end this series. Tony and Claire as well as many of the other characters have become my real life friends and foes...saying goodbye is never easy...but knowing that I’m not doing it alone has given me courage...I hope it will help you too!

  Be brave...and learn how with the TRUTH there are CONSEQUENCES...CONVICTED!

  This is the third book in the CONSEQUENCES Series. It’s recommended to read them in order. The CONSEQUENCES series contains adult dark content. Although excessive use of description and detail are not used, the content contains innuendos of kidnapping, rape, and abuse—physical and mental. If you’re unable to read this material—please do not purchase. If can enter this world of fiction—welcome aboard and enjoy the ride!

  The evil you create will ultimately destroy you, you cannot escape the consequences of your actions.

  —Leon Brown

  The woman stood silently, concealed within the shadows of the tall trees. With the Iowa wind rustling leaves above her head, she watched in fascination as children ran around the well-kept playground. Although many youngsters vied for position on the ladders and ramps, her attention centered on the beautiful, dark-haired little girl and blonde headed little boy playing in the sandbox. She’d seen the children on numerous occasions—always from a distance. She knew the little girl was almost two and a half years old and the little boy was almost two years old. Steeling her shoulders, she decided today was the day she’d finally voice her appeal—face the barrier to her goal—and make her request known.

  The children wouldn’t know who she was or why she was there. There was no doubt, the woman with the eagle eyes of a mother and aunt—the woman watching the children’s every move, wouldn’t only know her—she wouldn’t hesitate to send her away or call the authorities.

  Inhaling deeply, New York Times bestselling author, Meredith Banks, stepped from the shadows into the sunlight. As the proximity of her goal increased, so did her anxiety. This wouldn’t be easy. Emily Vandersol had made it crystal clear that she didn’t want the children exposed to the media circus. That circus had already exposed too many family secrets—secrets which, for their sake, would’ve been better left hidden.

  As Meredith neared the park bench, Emily’s ever present scan of the crowd zeroed in on her, and their eyes met. Before Emily could protest, Meredith rushed to the park bench and touched Emily’s sleeve. “Emily, please let me speak. Please...let me finish their story.”

  Momentarily looking away from the children, Emily stared toward Meredith, her green eyes burned with emotion. Her back straightened as her hushed words overflowed with intended harshness. “You’re not allowed to be this close to me or to her. I have a restraining order against all members of the press.”

  “I know, but I’m not just the press—I’m Claire’s friend—I was”—Meredith added thoughtfully—“Please—I want the world to know the rest of their story.”

  Emily leaned closer as her perturbed tone hardened. “Don’t you think you’ve told enough? One day, I’m going to have to explain your book to her. Don’t you think you’ve done enough damage? Or maybe it’s just the money you want. I’m sure revealing more private information will sell more books.”

  Meredith didn’t like Emily’s tone. Although she knew she deserved it; she wouldn’t let it stop her quest. After all, engaging Claire’s sister in any conversation was more than she’d accomplished in the past. “I hope you know this isn’t about selling books. Claire approached me with her story. We had an agreement, and I followed through. I’m not denying that her story’s made me a fortune. What do you want me to say? I’ll donate all proceeds from the rest of their story to Nichol? I’d gladly do tha
t, but we both know she isn’t lacking for money.”

  Emily looked up as the dark-haired little girl came running toward them. Undaunted by the visitor, Nichol spoke loud and clear, “Momma”—shaking her little head, she corrected—“I mean, Aunt Em, Mikey’s not sharing. I want my...”

  Meredith stared, mesmerized by the young girl’s features. Her long, dark hair was pulled into two pigtails which swung side to side as she ran. Her light complexion emphasized her pink sun-kissed cheeks, and her deep brown eyes shimmered in the sunlight. Meredith recognized the intensity of the young girl’s stare, the perfect combination of her parents; however, the determination and diction in the small voice unquestionably came from her father.

  This was the closest Meredith had been to Anthony and Claire’s child. With all of her heart, Meredith wanted to pull the little girl into her arms and hug her tight—anything to help make Claire’s daughter’s world a better place.

  While Emily rectified the situation between the children, Meredith pondered the events that brought them all here today—the events that changed Nichol’s life forever. Meredith remembered the Claire Nichols of the past—the carefree young woman who skipped class at Valparaiso to spend the day at Wrigley Field. She recalled the woman who recounted horrific details of a life she never wanted or deserved, and she recollected the last time they met—almost three years ago.

  Claire had arranged their meeting. She wanted to discuss Meredith’s first book My Life As It Didn’t Appear. Claire desired to stop the publication.

  Momentarily, Meredith recalled Claire’s countenance—finally happy and obviously in love. While they ate lunch in Chicago, Claire opened up, talking about her change of heart, and confessing her pregnancy. It was a step of faith on Claire’s part. Her pregnancy hadn’t been publicly announced, yet during that luncheon, Claire entrusted her long-time friend with her special news. Undoubtedly, it could’ve been a great coup, but Meredith wouldn’t leak the news. She’d done that to her friend once before, and the repercussions of that deception would haunt Meredith forever.

  Unfortunately, the book was beyond Meredith’s influence; it was in the hands of a publisher with specific instructions. Claire offered any amount of money to hide the story—forever. She worried that someday her child would learn the truth behind her parents’ meeting, and Claire didn’t want that to happen.

  Meredith promised Claire she’d try—and she did.

  Then, less than a month later, Claire disappeared—the disclosure clause of their contract went into motion. Publication was imminent. Meredith’s efforts, along with a multitude of Rawlings’ attorneys, were unable to keep the book from being published. Upon publication, My Life As it Didn’t Appear entered the bestseller list and has broken records ever since.

  Meredith hoped that by continuing their story—telling the world the rest of their saga, maybe—just maybe—someday Nichol would understand.

  Emily’s voice brought Meredith back to present. “The answer is no, and if you release any information about Nichol, I’ll have you fined, and with my husband’s help—arrested.”

  “I’m not here to expose Nichol,” Meredith continued. “I’m here because I want to talk to Claire. The people at the Everwood facility said all visitors must be approved by you; therefore, I’m asking for your permission.”

  Emily sat taller. “Ms. Banks, I’m not sure what part of this conversation you’re not hearing or comprehending, but the answer is no.” Before Meredith could respond, Emily continued, “Besides, it wouldn’t do you any good. Claire can’t tell you her story—she can’t answer your questions.”

  “Then let me just talk with her.”

  “Don’t you understand? She can’t talk to anyone.”

  “The staff didn’t say visitors were restricted due to her condition. They said they’re restricted due to your insistence.”

  “Ms. Banks—so help me God—if I read about this in a news release, I’ll come after you myself. Do you understand?”

  Meredith nodded and replied, “I want to help Claire—I truly do. I want to expose the truth so the world will know what happened.”

  Emily continued, “I’m only telling you this because my sister considered you a friend. Some of the doctors call it a psychotic break brought on by physical and mental stress. Others have said it’s the result of multiple head injuries.” Shaking her head, she added, “Claire hasn’t spoken to anyone in over two years!”

  Meredith’s mind swirled. She’d read about the insanity plea. She knew the history and read about the incident. Truly, if anyone had reason to be insane, it was Claire, yet Meredith hadn’t considered the severity of the situation. “What do you mean?” She lowered her voice. “Claire can’t talk?”

  “No—not exactly, she speaks. Sometimes she carries on conversations—just not with anyone present. She doesn’t know where she is or even that she has a child. Sometimes she’s a child—other times she’s with him. Honestly, out of context, it’s difficult to tell what she’s thinking at any given time.”

  “So, when Nichol just called you Momm—”

  Emily interrupted, “Nichol knows I’m her aunt, but sometimes, with Michael calling me Mom—she forgets.”

  “Maybe I could help? I could talk with Claire and help bring her back?”

  A tear slid down Emily’s cheek as she watched the children’s interaction. “If I thought there was a chance, I’d allow you access immediately, but honestly, if those of us who do visit can’t reach her—if Nichol couldn’t reach her”—Emily sat taller as her tone hardened—“No. Please don’t come around or ask again.”

  “Emily, what about Mr. Rawlings?”

  Emily abruptly turned toward Meredith, her tone now a resonating growl of a mother bear. “He’s gone, and I will not allow anyone to mention his name around Claire or Nichol. His reign of terror over my family is done!”

  “But one day—”

  Emily abruptly stood, dismissing Meredith. “Goodbye, Ms. Banks. I’m taking my children home. If I ever see your face again or read any of this conversation—anywhere—I won’t only press charges, but I’ll make it my goal to see you behind bars. Good day.”

  Meredith nodded in understanding, remained upon the bench, and watched as Emily lifted Michael into her arms and reached for Nichol’s hand. Without turning around or acknowledging their conversation, Emily held tightly to the children and walked away.

  It was obvious Emily loved and cared for both children; nevertheless, Meredith questioned the fairness of Nichol’s situation. If things stayed status quo, Meredith feared Nichol would never know the truth about both of her parents.

  The sounds of the busy park were lost to the gentle whisper of the breeze as Meredith contemplated her own children; she couldn’t imagine her life without them. She wondered about Claire, unable to imagine the emptiness and sense of loss her sorority sister must be enduring. Everything and everyone she’d ever held dear was gone. Before Meredith realized, the park blurred and tears coated her cheeks.

  She’d read the news reports and knew in her heart that there was a story in need of telling. Truly, she didn’t care about the money or the fame. Her memory went to a pledge—one made a lifetime ago. She and Claire pledged sisterhood. It wasn’t a blood bond like the one Claire shared with Emily—it was more—it was a commitment. Meredith refused to allow her sister to be lost forever—somehow she’d learn the truth.

  She remembered the day—years ago—when she met Claire in San Diego. During their discussion, Meredith told her friend about a desire to tell the world the truth no matter the consequences. Perhaps Emily would choose to prosecute; however, as Meredith watched the small family disappear over the hill toward the parking lot, her mind was set. If Claire’s mental health and Nichol’s solace resulted in arrest—so be it. She’d rather be convicted for being a true sister than live her life free and allow that beautiful little girl to live uninformed.

  The private mental health facility, Everwood, was as beautiful as
the website boasted. It was an upscale residential mental treatment center exclusively for women located in the countryside near Cedar Rapids. On forty-eight beautiful acres it had walking paths and nature trails—perfect for Claire.

  Meredith knew Claire’s initial institutionalization was the result of a legal plea. At the time of the plea, Claire had been placed in a state operated facility. That placement was short-lived, and she was moved to this esteemed private facility with top-notched security, confidential care, and a respected staff.

  As next of kin and power of attorney, Emily Vandersol had complete jurisdiction over Claire’s treatment. Without Emily’s permission, Meredith couldn’t approach Claire in the facility’s guest accessible areas, much less Claire’s private room; therefore, in order to access her sorority sister, Meredith had to devise a plan. She’d always dreamt of being an investigative journalist—now was her time.

  The money she’d made from the sales of her book afforded her children the best education. Currently, that was at a respected boarding school on the East Coast. Although she hated having them so far away, that distance permitted Meredith the time and freedom she needed to learn Claire’s story.

  Her plan wasn’t complicated—if she couldn’t visit Claire as a guest—Meredith decided she’d frequent the facility as an employee. She didn’t have the credentials to impersonate a therapist or doctor, but fortunately, the center was in need of kitchen staff.

  A small investment to a questionable source provided Meredith with a falsified identification complete with a verifiable past work history. She wasn’t sure she could remember to answer to a different name; therefore, Meredith chose to use her husband’s last name—one she rarely used. An interview and sob-story later, Meredith Russel was hired by Everwood Behavioral Center. As Meredith looked in the mirror, smoothing the white cafeteria uniform, she smirked—a bit sarcastically and thought, my life’s ambition is now complete—I have a minimum wage position.