TRUTH Excerpt
Spoiler: This is for readers of CONSEQUENCES. If you haven't read the first book of my series, please don't read this:
From Chapter 1 of TRUTH, the second novel in the CONSEQUENCES series:
Jane Allyson, attorney, wondered why it wasn’t more difficult. Removing a prisoner from a medium security penitentiary should be harder. Yet, with the governor’s signature and a piece of paper, Claire Nichols was now riding in the passenger seat of Jane’s Toyota Corolla, wearing jeans and shoes from fourteen months earlier.
Claire chose to wear the blouse Jane brought for her. It was slightly large, but nonetheless, as Jane viewed Claire in her peripheral vision, Claire didn’t seem concerned. Instead, she appeared mesmerized by the landscape, occasionally sighing or dabbing her eyes. Jane tried to imagine Claire’s state of mind. Of course, her client was emotional; her entire life had just abruptly changed – again. It would be a difficult transition for anyone.
Sporadically, Jane checked her rearview mirror. There were no signs they were being followed. However, if the benefactor of the $100,000 knew about Claire’s release, Jane worried he or she might be waiting for their departure.
Breaking the silence, Jane said, “I didn’t speak with your friend. But, her assistant said there’ll be a ticket waiting for you at the American Airlines counter.”
“I don’t have identification.” The sudden realization frightened Claire. Could this oversight land her back in prison?
“Yes, you do. Iowa issued you an identification card identifying your personal belongings. You have all of that don’t you?”
Claire hugged the small bag. All of her possessions in the entire world were contained within the small nylon bag. Along with the items from her cell, Claire’s bag held the blue cashmere sweater and jewelry she’d been wearing upon her arrest. At twenty-nine, it seemed like such a small accumulation. “I do. I didn’t realize the identification card would work outside of prison.”
As Jane turned the Toyota south onto highway 235, she inhaled deeply and breached the uncomfortable subject. “Claire, I need to tell you something. The petitioning for your pardon wasn’t my idea.”
The trance holding Claire Nichols' thoughts captive released its hold; she zeroed in upon her savior, the person who’d freed her from a life of solitude. However, after so much time alone, conversation was difficult. Claire tried desperately to fill the silences. If one person spoke, then it was time for the next. Very easy, she could do it. “What do you mean?”
Jane told Claire about the anonymous letter, the almost complete petition for pardon, and the certified cashier's check. She didn’t mention her fear as she entered the penitentiary. She waited to see if it was shared.
Claire asked, “Who would spend $100,000 for my release?”
“I don’t know.”
Claire observed the expression, body language, and tone of the woman next to her. It had been a while, but she believed Jane spoke truthfully. Her attorney didn’t know who planted the seed for her emancipation.
Jane continued, “I can tell you, initially, I believed whoever this was, they wanted you released without associating their name. I believed they were protecting themselves from your ex-husband.”
Claire ingested her words, it made sense. She reasoned, if Tony knew someone helped in her release, who knows what he might do. Then she registered every word, “Initially? Jane, what do you mean initially?”
As Jane answered, her Toyota headed south toward the Des Moines International Airport. “I have to admit, I’ve had another thought.” Claire didn’t speak, but listened and watched. Jane continued, “What if the petition, letter, and money came from an unlikely source, someone to whom $100,000 was nothing?”
Claire’s emerald eyes opened wider. The elation which had filled her lungs evaporated. No longer involuntary, breathing required thought. She stammered, “You think it was Tony?” Claire fought an onset of nausea, “Why would he do that?”
“I really don’t know. I just know the best thing is to get you out of Iowa especially before the press frenzy begins.”
Claire hugged her belongings close to her thumping chest. She remembered the unrelenting press and more importantly her ex-husband. Old fears made her heart to race. Looking again at Jane, Claire noticed Jane’s eyes darting between the landscape ahead and the one behind in the rearview mirror. What if Tony or someone else were following her? Claire replied, “Yes, please, let’s do that.”
The American Airlines’ agent at the counter didn’t question Claire’s Iowa state issued identification. Within minutes she handed Claire her boarding pass -- a nonstop first class ticket to San Francisco, departing in ninety minutes.
Each step toward the concourse removed a little of Claire’s heaviness. The anxiety and apprehension she’d experienced under Tony’s rule knocked at the door of Claire’s heart and soul. She tried desperately to suppress those fears. Her counsel’s attention and kindness helped to alleviate the burden. Claire truly didn’t have time to process her sudden freedom. Turning toward Jane, she inquired, “Tell me again about the pardon. Do I need to check in with anyone?”
Jane explained, “Everything associated with the charge of attempted murder is now gone. The arrest, plea, incarceration… it’s all gone. Your record will appear as though it never occurred.” She emphasized, “Claire, the last fourteen months never happened.”
“Thirty-six.” Claire corrected.
Jane looked into her client’s eyes. She saw the victim’s eyes of over a year ago, not the eyes of an attempted murderer. The sadness combined with confusion told Jane, release wouldn’t be that simple. Removing Claire from the walls of Iowa’s Correctional Institution for Women was easier than removing the past thirty-six months from her memories. There was nothing Jane could say. Getting Claire safely out of Iowa was her only goal. “Please take care of yourself.” Jane said as she pulled an envelope and a card out of her purse. “Here is my card with my cell and office number as well as email. If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me. And in this envelope is something I believe should belong to you.”
Claire took the items from her attorney and slowly opened the envelope. Staring back at her was fifty dollars in ten dollar bills and a cashier’s check made out to cash for $100,000. “No, Jane. I can’t accept this. This is for you. It’s your payment for helping me.”
“The cash will help with incidentals until you reach your friend. And, as for the check, it’s a ridiculous amount of money for a few hours’ work. You get settled. When you can, send me an appropriate payment for my services. Consider it seed money to start your new life.”
“But we don’t know who it’s from.”
“No, we don’t. If perhaps it’s from whom we suspect, wouldn’t he be happy to learn it went to you?”
Slowly Claire’s lips turned upward; she shook her head. “No. No, he wouldn’t.” Claire scanned the mingling crowd for a familiar face. Exhaling with relief at the sea of strangers, Claire continued. “And for that reason, I accept.” The two women embraced. “Thank you, Jane, for everything.”
Claire straightened her shoulders, and turned toward the gate. It’d been sometime since she’d flown commercial, but she knew Jane wasn’t allowed past security without a boarding pass. Thankfully, no one else would be either.
Jane watched as Claire passed the TSA agents and disappeared into the crowd of bodies. With an audible sigh, Jane thanked God no one recognized her client, and the reporters hadn't been notified. She had no idea how long it would take interested parties to learn of Claire’s release and flight. However long, Jane hoped it was long enough.
Claire Nichols sat in a row of connected black vinyl chairs, holding all of her worldly possessions and soaking in the scene around her. There were people talking, reading, and even sleeping. Periodically the dim background noise shattered with announcements over the PA system. They told of flights boarding and others delayed. No one noticed her. No one cared that only four hours earlier she’d been a prisoner of the state of Iowa. The buzzing in Claire’s brain began to dull, and her pulse steadied. In another thirty-five minutes she’d be boarding a plane. Claire hoped she wouldn't hear an announcement saying her flight was delayed. She may not remember her initial arrival to Iowa, but she was savoring her final exit. Returning was not on her agenda.
Her inner monologue was interrupted by the sound of her name, “Ms. Nichols?” A large security officer bent down to speak quietly near Claire’s ear.
Startled by the man’s closeness and words, she managed a response, “Yes? I’m Claire Nichols.”
“I need you to come with me please.”
Oh God, no! She thought. Please let me get on this plane. Involuntarily moisture returned to Claire’s eyes as the shrill sound of alarms reverberated within her head. Trying to speak steadily over the deafening panic, only she could hear, she uttered, “I’m sorry. I don’t believe I can do that. I can’t miss my flight.”
“Ms. Nichols if you will please come to my office, I’ll explain everything.”
Claire gripped her bag and contemplated her next move. She shouldn't have left Jane, not yet. She had Jane’s card; she could call her. Her voice and tone exposed her apprehension, “I really don’t want to go with you.” People began to stare.
Speaking in a hushed whisper, “Ms. Nichols, your ticket has been cancelled.” She shook her head in protest. “It’s all right.” Moving his lips near her ear, as to not be overheard, “Please settle down, your ticket was cancelled, because there’s a private plane coming for you.”
The security officer’s voice came through a long dark tunnel. The tunnel closed. Only blackness…
TRUTH is coming! November of 2012, please tell your friends. Everyone needs to be ready!
ConsequencesTRUTHTruth
From Chapter 1 of TRUTH, the second novel in the CONSEQUENCES series:
Jane Allyson, attorney, wondered why it wasn’t more difficult. Removing a prisoner from a medium security penitentiary should be harder. Yet, with the governor’s signature and a piece of paper, Claire Nichols was now riding in the passenger seat of Jane’s Toyota Corolla, wearing jeans and shoes from fourteen months earlier.
Claire chose to wear the blouse Jane brought for her. It was slightly large, but nonetheless, as Jane viewed Claire in her peripheral vision, Claire didn’t seem concerned. Instead, she appeared mesmerized by the landscape, occasionally sighing or dabbing her eyes. Jane tried to imagine Claire’s state of mind. Of course, her client was emotional; her entire life had just abruptly changed – again. It would be a difficult transition for anyone.
Sporadically, Jane checked her rearview mirror. There were no signs they were being followed. However, if the benefactor of the $100,000 knew about Claire’s release, Jane worried he or she might be waiting for their departure.
Breaking the silence, Jane said, “I didn’t speak with your friend. But, her assistant said there’ll be a ticket waiting for you at the American Airlines counter.”
“I don’t have identification.” The sudden realization frightened Claire. Could this oversight land her back in prison?
“Yes, you do. Iowa issued you an identification card identifying your personal belongings. You have all of that don’t you?”
Claire hugged the small bag. All of her possessions in the entire world were contained within the small nylon bag. Along with the items from her cell, Claire’s bag held the blue cashmere sweater and jewelry she’d been wearing upon her arrest. At twenty-nine, it seemed like such a small accumulation. “I do. I didn’t realize the identification card would work outside of prison.”
As Jane turned the Toyota south onto highway 235, she inhaled deeply and breached the uncomfortable subject. “Claire, I need to tell you something. The petitioning for your pardon wasn’t my idea.”
The trance holding Claire Nichols' thoughts captive released its hold; she zeroed in upon her savior, the person who’d freed her from a life of solitude. However, after so much time alone, conversation was difficult. Claire tried desperately to fill the silences. If one person spoke, then it was time for the next. Very easy, she could do it. “What do you mean?”
Jane told Claire about the anonymous letter, the almost complete petition for pardon, and the certified cashier's check. She didn’t mention her fear as she entered the penitentiary. She waited to see if it was shared.
Claire asked, “Who would spend $100,000 for my release?”
“I don’t know.”
Claire observed the expression, body language, and tone of the woman next to her. It had been a while, but she believed Jane spoke truthfully. Her attorney didn’t know who planted the seed for her emancipation.
Jane continued, “I can tell you, initially, I believed whoever this was, they wanted you released without associating their name. I believed they were protecting themselves from your ex-husband.”
Claire ingested her words, it made sense. She reasoned, if Tony knew someone helped in her release, who knows what he might do. Then she registered every word, “Initially? Jane, what do you mean initially?”
As Jane answered, her Toyota headed south toward the Des Moines International Airport. “I have to admit, I’ve had another thought.” Claire didn’t speak, but listened and watched. Jane continued, “What if the petition, letter, and money came from an unlikely source, someone to whom $100,000 was nothing?”
Claire’s emerald eyes opened wider. The elation which had filled her lungs evaporated. No longer involuntary, breathing required thought. She stammered, “You think it was Tony?” Claire fought an onset of nausea, “Why would he do that?”
“I really don’t know. I just know the best thing is to get you out of Iowa especially before the press frenzy begins.”
Claire hugged her belongings close to her thumping chest. She remembered the unrelenting press and more importantly her ex-husband. Old fears made her heart to race. Looking again at Jane, Claire noticed Jane’s eyes darting between the landscape ahead and the one behind in the rearview mirror. What if Tony or someone else were following her? Claire replied, “Yes, please, let’s do that.”
The American Airlines’ agent at the counter didn’t question Claire’s Iowa state issued identification. Within minutes she handed Claire her boarding pass -- a nonstop first class ticket to San Francisco, departing in ninety minutes.
Each step toward the concourse removed a little of Claire’s heaviness. The anxiety and apprehension she’d experienced under Tony’s rule knocked at the door of Claire’s heart and soul. She tried desperately to suppress those fears. Her counsel’s attention and kindness helped to alleviate the burden. Claire truly didn’t have time to process her sudden freedom. Turning toward Jane, she inquired, “Tell me again about the pardon. Do I need to check in with anyone?”
Jane explained, “Everything associated with the charge of attempted murder is now gone. The arrest, plea, incarceration… it’s all gone. Your record will appear as though it never occurred.” She emphasized, “Claire, the last fourteen months never happened.”
“Thirty-six.” Claire corrected.
Jane looked into her client’s eyes. She saw the victim’s eyes of over a year ago, not the eyes of an attempted murderer. The sadness combined with confusion told Jane, release wouldn’t be that simple. Removing Claire from the walls of Iowa’s Correctional Institution for Women was easier than removing the past thirty-six months from her memories. There was nothing Jane could say. Getting Claire safely out of Iowa was her only goal. “Please take care of yourself.” Jane said as she pulled an envelope and a card out of her purse. “Here is my card with my cell and office number as well as email. If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me. And in this envelope is something I believe should belong to you.”
Claire took the items from her attorney and slowly opened the envelope. Staring back at her was fifty dollars in ten dollar bills and a cashier’s check made out to cash for $100,000. “No, Jane. I can’t accept this. This is for you. It’s your payment for helping me.”
“The cash will help with incidentals until you reach your friend. And, as for the check, it’s a ridiculous amount of money for a few hours’ work. You get settled. When you can, send me an appropriate payment for my services. Consider it seed money to start your new life.”
“But we don’t know who it’s from.”
“No, we don’t. If perhaps it’s from whom we suspect, wouldn’t he be happy to learn it went to you?”
Slowly Claire’s lips turned upward; she shook her head. “No. No, he wouldn’t.” Claire scanned the mingling crowd for a familiar face. Exhaling with relief at the sea of strangers, Claire continued. “And for that reason, I accept.” The two women embraced. “Thank you, Jane, for everything.”
Claire straightened her shoulders, and turned toward the gate. It’d been sometime since she’d flown commercial, but she knew Jane wasn’t allowed past security without a boarding pass. Thankfully, no one else would be either.
Jane watched as Claire passed the TSA agents and disappeared into the crowd of bodies. With an audible sigh, Jane thanked God no one recognized her client, and the reporters hadn't been notified. She had no idea how long it would take interested parties to learn of Claire’s release and flight. However long, Jane hoped it was long enough.
Claire Nichols sat in a row of connected black vinyl chairs, holding all of her worldly possessions and soaking in the scene around her. There were people talking, reading, and even sleeping. Periodically the dim background noise shattered with announcements over the PA system. They told of flights boarding and others delayed. No one noticed her. No one cared that only four hours earlier she’d been a prisoner of the state of Iowa. The buzzing in Claire’s brain began to dull, and her pulse steadied. In another thirty-five minutes she’d be boarding a plane. Claire hoped she wouldn't hear an announcement saying her flight was delayed. She may not remember her initial arrival to Iowa, but she was savoring her final exit. Returning was not on her agenda.
Her inner monologue was interrupted by the sound of her name, “Ms. Nichols?” A large security officer bent down to speak quietly near Claire’s ear.
Startled by the man’s closeness and words, she managed a response, “Yes? I’m Claire Nichols.”
“I need you to come with me please.”
Oh God, no! She thought. Please let me get on this plane. Involuntarily moisture returned to Claire’s eyes as the shrill sound of alarms reverberated within her head. Trying to speak steadily over the deafening panic, only she could hear, she uttered, “I’m sorry. I don’t believe I can do that. I can’t miss my flight.”
“Ms. Nichols if you will please come to my office, I’ll explain everything.”
Claire gripped her bag and contemplated her next move. She shouldn't have left Jane, not yet. She had Jane’s card; she could call her. Her voice and tone exposed her apprehension, “I really don’t want to go with you.” People began to stare.
Speaking in a hushed whisper, “Ms. Nichols, your ticket has been cancelled.” She shook her head in protest. “It’s all right.” Moving his lips near her ear, as to not be overheard, “Please settle down, your ticket was cancelled, because there’s a private plane coming for you.”
The security officer’s voice came through a long dark tunnel. The tunnel closed. Only blackness…
TRUTH is coming! November of 2012, please tell your friends. Everyone needs to be ready!
ConsequencesTRUTHTruth
message 1:
by
Jamie *Gypsy Smut-a-teer*
(new)
Oct 04, 2012 09:41PM
OMG!!! I am so freaking excited!! Usually I try to re-read the prior book before I read the sequel but I honestly can't re-read Consequences yet. It literally messed with my head big time and emotionally exhausted me. It was that good!! I can't wait for this one though!!! I never saw this coming, is it really Tony doing all this?
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I'm super excited about truth I can't wait to read it When in November is it coming out ?
Omg! You got me hooked already. Can't wait! Thanks Aleatha!
OMG!! I can't wait for it to be released. Only 1 chapter and you have sucked me in again. You are brilliant!
Wow! I want more! I am so excited! Thanks for the excerpt!
OMG, I am already having anxiety over this first chapter, lol. I hope he doesn't take her back into darkness (prisoner). I will be so pissed.
I dont wanna wait!! *throws temper tantrum*However, this is gonna be sooooo good, I can just taste it!
Wow. Now I HAVE to read Truth! So excited!
Here we go again. Another reading frenzy. I am so ready because everything I have tried to read since "Consequences" has been boring. Keep them coming.
I almost had a heart attack at the end of the chapter!! I really can't wait until november!
I loved Consequences and can not wait until TRUTH!!Just joined Goodreads because of you!!
Wow! Not how I expected it to start that's for sure! Can't wait for Truth to come out! Congratulations on your 2nd book! It is a privilege to be your friend and classmate! How about another book signing? Terri!
My heart is racing just from reading the first chapter!!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!
Jamie wrote: "OMG!!! I am so freaking excited!! Usually I try to re-read the prior book before I read the sequel but I honestly can't re-read Consequences yet. It literally messed with my head big time and emoti..."I know exactly what you mean! Even though I really want to read consequences again it was too much of a mind fuck and emotional ride to go through! If I tell anyone that they think I'm crazy and say 'it's only a book'.
No fair teasing us all like that!! I'm soooo ready for this book and can't wait for the next journey...
OMG!!! I can hardly wait for this book. My little book club has spent many hours discussing the what if's of Consequences. If this excerpt is any indication "Truith" is going to be just as good or maybe even better!!! Please feel free to release if before next month!!
OMG!! Nice teaser!! November can't come soon enough!!
This is pure torture! I really do not think i can wait until november i need the TRUTH now!!!
I agree, great teaser even if it's torture waiting for the release. Can't wait for this book to come out!!!
omg i loved this book though it really bothered me,,hope things turn around for her in truth.Nov seems so far away!!!!
Dun dun duuuunnn! Really looking forward to the next book. Great tease! :D
Ok, I don't think I can wait three more weeks for this book to come out. I just finished the first book and I am so emotionally drained, one would think that I could not delve into a second book. But I am totally ready!!!!! Bring it on Aleatha!!!
Ohhh my!! I cant wait till november, this is killing me... Call me crazy but I want her to be back with Tony....
Holy hell...cannot wait! Love it but now i want more, more, more!!!! These books would make for a fantastic movie!!! Just sayin' ;)
Lilliana wrote: "Ohhh my!! I cant wait till november, this is killing me... Call me crazy but I want her to be back with Tony...."
LOL me too!!
LOL me too!!
Oh Lillian!!! Me too!!! It's been a couple weeks since I finished Consequences and I'm still shaken!! I don't know if/how it's possible to pull a Tony/Claire happy-ever-after but I want it too!!!
OH MY GOD !!!!!!!! I want this book ... Like ASAP ! like NOW !!!!
Aleatha how can you give me so little???, I am so excited to read this book and again thanks so much for this story:)
omg!!! I want it now!!! I can't wait!!! was that a short 1st chapter or what??!!!!! jeez, throw us a bigger bone!!! lol! :)
omg this was such a teaser, its really wetted my appetite. I cant wait for this to come out.
Pam wrote: "omg!!! I want it now!!! I can't wait!!! was that a short 1st chapter or what??!!!!! jeez, throw us a bigger bone!!! lol! :)"
i think it was just an excerpt from the first chapter. x
i think it was just an excerpt from the first chapter. x
Annmarie wrote: "Lilliana wrote: "Ohhh my!! I cant wait till november, this is killing me... Call me crazy but I want her to be back with Tony...."LOL me too!!"
I am with you Lilliana I want Tony and Claire back together but at the same time I want to throttle Tony for what happen.
OMG....no I can't wait until November after that teaser..I just finished reading Consequences yesterday and I really need more..NOW..Thanks Aleatha, but that excerpt is driving me crazy..WOW!!!!
I just finished consequences and am so glad I do not have long to wait for the sequel. I was blown away by this book
Daisy wrote: "Annmarie wrote: "Lilliana wrote: "Ohhh my!! I cant wait till november, this is killing me... Call me crazy but I want her to be back with Tony...."LOL me too!!"
I am with you Lilliana I want Tony..."
Same here, I want them back together too!!- well, next month.. what day is it coming out? anyone know?
i think it is out on the 1st of November!!!! i hope i don't bang my head and forget all about it!
Exciting first chapter and I think I may know who the private plane belongs to.
OMG!!!!!! can't wait to see what happens!!!
Ok I have to ask this because I am dying to know what other people think of the last chapter in the book headed Afterward when Tony went to Sophia Burkes shop are we going to find out about Sophia and Tony Or will Truth be just about Tony and Claire . Just checked the calender the 1st of Nov is a Thursday I am booking a days holiday for this book .
Donna wrote: "Oooo Pamela do tell!!!"Welp, the obvious first choice would be Tony. But my other choice would be a family member or associate of Claire's millionaire, software designing , ex boyfriend from her college days. He was killed in a plane crash that I believe was arranged by Tony.
Could be...I thought maybe the couple that visited her in prison... or someone said maybe Tony knew that she was in danger so set this all up to protect her and now is springing her free...so many possibilities...I can't wait for Nov 1st x
Donna wrote: "Could be...I thought maybe the couple that visited her in prison... or someone said maybe Tony knew that she was in danger so set this all up to protect her and now is springing her free...so many ..."I'm just trying to think of people with the money to afford a private plane that would also be willing to help her exact revenge. Most of the people that were around Claire are afraid of angering Tony. So many possibilities, as you say.
Donna wrote: "Could be...I thought maybe the couple that visited her in prison... or someone said maybe Tony knew that she was in danger so set this all up to protect her and now is springing her free...so many ..."
i like this idea!
i like this idea!
