“The Des Moines Register had the initial story, but I believe the AP picked it up this evening. It’ll be everywhere by tomorrow morning.”

Shit! “I don’t like this at all.” There were so many thoughts. Tony struggled to keep them all straight. “Governor, where is she? She is in Iowa,” his baritone voice lowered another octave, as he added, “isn’t she?”

“Mr. Rawlings, a pardon is different than a parole. With a pardon the entire crime is erased—expunged. It officially never happened, the arrest, the sentencing—none of it. We don’t know where Ms. Nichols went. She doesn’t need to check-in or be accountable to anyone.”

Tony reached into the top drawer of his desk and pulled out an old key ring. Unconsciously, he threaded the relic through his fingers and steadied his voice. “This is completely unacceptable. I want details. How did this happen and who petitioned for her pardon?”

“I don’t have all of the details. At this time, all I know is that Jane Allyson, formally Ms. Ni—”

“I’m well aware of who she is.”

“Yes, well, she submitted the petition to Bosley’s office. Apparently, she also was the one who went to the penitentiary and sought Ms. Nichols’ release. Again Mr. Rawlings, I’m very sorry—”

Tony interrupted again, “Yes, Governor, I’m sure you are. I’m sure there will be other people who are sorry when I’m done with them.” Tony hit the DISCONNECT button. Free. How in the hell could she be free? And not only that—missing! Tony needed answers. Fourteen months! Expunged! Tossing the old key ring, Tony hit Brent’s number.

As the phone began to ring, energy surged through Tony’s body, forcing him to his feet. He paced the confines of his office as he waited for Brent to answer. Tony didn’t care that it was the middle of the night or that Brent or Courtney may be sleeping. This was a damn emergency. Claire was missing! As the phone continued to ring, he thought back. When was the last time he hadn’t known her whereabouts? Years. He’d known where she was before she knew him, and now suddenly she’d walked away—no, not suddenly, two weeks ago!

Brent answered with a hushed tone. “What is it, Tony?”

“She’s gone! She’s fuck’n gone!”

“Who? Who’s gone?”

“Claire! Bosley pardoned her—two weeks ago!” Tony’s knees gave way as his tired body collapsed on the sofa. He’d thought about her. He’d received updates on her, but until that moment, he hadn’t said her first name—not since he learned of her allegations. Her blatant violation of his most basic rule relegated her back to the world of Ms. Nichols. Whenever she was mentioned in his presence, he required that she be discussed as Ms. Nichols, even before their divorce; however, tonight everything changed—his Claire was gone!

Brent stuttered, “T-Tony, I don’t know what to say? I mean, I read the names of the people Bosley pardoned. That list didn’t contain Ms. Nichols’ name.”

“That’s what Preston wanted to tell me. Somehow her name wasn’t disclosed, but now the press has it. Tomorrow the whole damn world will know that she’s been pardoned.”

“Where is she?”

Tony ran his hands through his hair. “I don’t know. Shit—Preston doesn’t know. Jane Allyson did this. I want her in my office first thing tomorrow morning, and I want Claire found.”

Brent sighed. “Because…”

“Because…” Tony stammered. He couldn’t tell Brent the truth—that he’d never lost track of her in ten years. “Because, she tried to kill me. What if I’m in danger?”

“Of course. Have you notified your security team?”

No, he hadn’t. He hadn’t done anything. “I called you first. How long will it take for you to hire a private investigator from your list and track her down?”

Brent replied. “I’ll get on it first thing in the morning—”

“Now!” Tony yelled. “I want her found by morning!” He heard Courtney’s concerned voice in the background.

“Okay, Tony,” Brent reassured. “I’ll get right on it. I’ll also call Patricia and have her get a hold of Jane Allyson.”

“There has to be some legal recourse, right? I mean, you can fight this—legally?”

Brent hesitated. “I’ll need to see the paperwork. If Jane made any mistakes in her petition, maybe—”

Tony shook his head. If? Maybe? “That’s unacceptable! I want something done immediately. This injustice needs to be rectified.”

“Tony, Courtney wants to know if you’re all right?”

“Tell her that I’m fuck’n great.” The energy that had momentarily fueled Tony’s rage faded into the black night. Holding his head, Tony sighed. “The damn press will have a field day.”

“Patricia will contact Shelly. She’ll do all she can.”

Tony nodded. He had a great team. His people would rally around him. “Give me an update in the morning.” Not having the strength to wait for a response, Tony hit DISCONNECT. Two weeks—where in the hell was she? His mind searched for possibilities: people, places, anything.

“Indiana?”

Tony looked up at the sound of Catherine’s voice. His dark eyes glared, daring her to say another word as she eased her way through the partially open door. “What in the hell are you doing in my office?”