Although the perspiration dripped between Claire’s breasts, and she needed to lift her hair off her neck, she grinned. “It’ll take me a while to get used to it, but I will”—Adapting was one of her specialties—“Please don’t use the air conditioning. I love the fresh air and the heat.”
Her heels clicked on the shiny bamboo flooring as they entered the master bedroom suite. “This is your”—Madeline hesitated—“and Monsieur Roach’s room?”
Claire placed her hand on Madeline’s arm. “No, Madeline, Phil is my friend. He and I are not—together. He isn’t the father of my child.”
“He loves you. I see that in his eyes.”
Claire stared. They were friends—but love? She’d have to think about that another time. “He’s helped me a lot.”
“It’s not my business. I simply work for you.”
Claire wanted to explain that her baby’s father would hopefully be coming to the island; however, she didn’t know if that were true. Besides, her story was so complicated that she didn’t have the energy to share; instead, Claire nodded and walked beside Madeline as she learned more of the amenities of her new home. The master bedroom also had a wide, closable opening to the lanai. When they stepped back outside and peered around the drape of flowered vegetation, the view took Claire’s breath away. The sea below was multiple shades of blue. Staring at the water, Claire wondered if depth influenced the hues. As she scanned toward the horizon, the waves blended seamlessly into the crystal blue sky. Walking further out into the sunlight, Claire realized the lanai wrapped around the house. It was the same porch she’d seen from the living room, the one with the large infinity pool, umbrella covered tables, lounge chairs, and groupings of chairs all perfectly arranged.
When Claire entered the kitchen, she couldn’t contain her grin. They were in the middle of paradise, not even a dot on most maps, yet she was in the middle of a high tech, state-of-the-art kitchen. “Wow!” was all she could say.
“Oui, the last family loved cooking. The previous owner, she had the kitchen rebuilt, making it even bigger than the original.”
“I love it! She did a great job, and so have you. Everything’s amazing!”
Madeline’s eyes brimmed with pride. “There is so much more. Francis and I have a home too. You may see it, and there are gardens, paths, orchards, and so much more.”
“I want to see it all; however...”
Madeline nodded. “Oui, Madame el, you’ve had a long trip and need to rest. Let me bring you some water and maybe some fruit?”
“Thank you, that sounds wonderful.” Turning to return to her suite, Claire said, “I’m not sure where Phil is.”
“He is with Francis, Madame el.”
“When he returns, can you please show him to one of the other bedrooms?”
Madeline agreed and promised to bring Claire some water and a snack soon. Once Claire was back in her private suite, she decided to investigate her surroundings a little further. The attached bathroom was modern and bright with a skylight above a large, sunken tub. There were two other doors she hadn’t yet opened. The first one led to a small, private office. Nodding approvingly, Claire knew it would make a perfect little nursery. Fleetingly, thoughts of the nursery in Iowa came to mind; instead of compartmentalizing them away, she stared at the office and imagined it filled with a crib and changing table—the new thoughts overpowered the old. Her cheeks rose as she focused on her future.
The next door led to a closet, only slightly smaller than the office/nursery. The clothes she’d ordered filled the drawers and hung from the racks. Slipping off her heels, Claire fingered the soft fabric of the sundresses and contemplated changing out of her traveling clothes. She also considered a relaxing soak in the big tub when she smiled. The realization gave her a sense of peace she’d been missing for too long. She was doing it—she was adapting to this new normal.
Her epiphany, Madeline and Francis’s friendly greeting, and Phil’s unrelenting support, all worked together to bring happiness back to her life. When the knock came on her door, Claire called, “Come in, Madeline.”
The door opened, and Phil answered, “I’m not Madeline.”
Seeing the golden flecks in his green eyes, Claire thought about Madeline’s assessment. She didn’t know if it were true; she didn’t see love in Phil’s eyes—she saw concern. Wanting him to know how delighted she was about the island and all he’d done, her voice brimmed with excitement. “You’re right! I love everything about it!”
Phil exhaled. “I’m glad to hear that. What do you think about Francis and Madeline?”
“I don’t know for sure, but I think I like them.”
“Good, so do you think you can stay here?”
Claire grinned. “I do. What were you doing with Francis?”
Phil explained that Francis showed him around the outside of the estate. There’s a boat at Claire’s disposal—any time she wants to travel into town, Francis will accompany her. There’s also access to a helicopter or plane in case of emergencies.
Claire sat on the edge of her bed. “Well, I hope they won’t be necessary; however, I want to schedule a doctor’s appointment for a check-up.”
“Talk to Madeline; she can help with that. Remember, there’s a real doctor in town.”
“I think this’ll work. Thank you so much—for everything.”
Phil nodded. “You’re welcome, Claire. It seems my job is done here...”
Her new-found contentment evaporated with his declaration. Suddenly, the remoteness of the island filled her with angst. “You’re leaving?” she asked. “But—I—I just asked Madeline to show you to one of the other rooms.”
“She did, and it’s great, but if you’re happy and safe, I don’t think I should—”
Tears teetered on the edge of Claire’s eyes as she stood and asked, “Will I be able to contact you?”
“Is that what you want?”
What did she want? Claire knew she didn’t want what Phil wanted, or at least what Madeline said he wanted; nevertheless, she didn’t want him to go. The way she’d introduced him to Madeline and Francis was accurate; Phil was her friend. She trusted him, and she wanted him around. For most of the last year, he had been. Even before she really knew him, he was there—watching—protecting—a constant in her world of change. Claire blinked her eyes, and the teetering tears slid down her cheeks. “I want to have people around me that I can trust. I don’t know Madeline or Francis—not yet.”
“I did a thorough background check. They’re very transparent, so what you see is what you have.”
Claire nodded.
“I have another job waiting.”
Claire’s neck stiffened. “I understand; you’re tired of babysitting.”
“Claire, I asked the pilot to wait. I think this is best.”
“Thank you. Thank you for protecting me, getting me here—for everything.” She wanted to reach out and hug him; however, she couldn’t bear to hurt anyone else. If Madeline’s assessment was true then Phil was right—his leaving was best. “Maybe someday—”
He interrupted, “I’ll leave you my number, but remember—only make emergency calls—and also—for you and your baby’s safety—don’t contact anyone but me or the FBI.”
Claire swallowed and nodded.
Before she could think of anything else, Phil was gone. An overwhelming sense of seclusion engulfed the room as she watched the door shut. Inhaling deeply, Claire fought the feeling of suffocation, suddenly threatening her ability to breathe. When the air finally filled her lungs, a sob erupted from the depth of her chest. The trip from Venice had taken days. They’d created an intricately woven web designed to detour anyone’s efforts in finding them. Suddenly, the trip and Phil’s departure were too much. Claire collapsed on her big, lonely bed.