Page 29 of Evidence of Deceit

“On a positive note, Sam gave me a little update on Keith. She said he’s back in New York City, so he won’t be bothering you for a while.”

A sigh of relief escaped from Claire’s lips. It was a respite for now. The next time she saw Sam, she was going to ask about a divorce lawyer. The easy part would be that shewanted nothing from Keith. The hard part was getting Keith to give her up.

Sam cameover in the afternoon and found Claire and Hank playing cards. Good. Claire needed the break. She heard about the morning fiasco and mentally slapped herself for not telling Claire or Mark that Hank would be there. Claire said she was fine, but Sam knew from experience that it took a while for an abused woman to feel safe or trust anyone. Claire had a positive attitude, but the years she spent with Keith had to have worn her down. Always wondering, did I do this wrong? Did I do that wrong?

“Hey,” Sam said. “I hate to break up this little party.” She looked at Claire. “I was wondering if you would like to go shopping?”

Claire’s eyes widened, lit up with excitement. “Oh, that would be fun.”

Then her eyes dimmed, and she sighed. “Although I better pass. I’m a little short on funds right now.”

“Hon, I know. However, KnightGuard Security has a contingency fund to help anyone we’re guarding, whether it’s clothes, food or money for rent.” It was a little lie. Sam made a mental note to start one when she got back to the office.

“I don’t know.” Claire bit her lip. “I’m sure there is someone else needing it more than I do.”

Sam shrugged. “Maybe. But you’re our client right now, and I hope you’ll let the company buy a few new outfits for you. Or whatever else you need.”

Hank gathered the cards and slid them into the case. “Well, if you girls are going shopping, that’s my cue to leave.” He stood, smiled at Claire. “Have fun. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”

Claire got up from her chair, placed her hand on Hank’s forearm. “I’m sorry I scared you this morning. Thank you so much for staying here with me.”

“My pleasure, Claire.”

“Okay then, let’s get going. I know I’m ready to shop,” said Sam.

The afternoon passed by quickly.Claire couldn’t remember when she had so much fun. The only awkward part was the first time Sam insisted on paying for some tops she had chosen. Sam claimed she bought some too, so it was no big deal.

Claire never figured Sam as a shopper. They went into so many cute shops where Sam was called out by name and bought too many outfits to count.

“Sam, I swear, I’m worn out. If I didn’t know better, I would think you’re a closet shopper.”

Sam laughed. “Yup. Now you know my secret.” She placed her finger on her lips. “Don’t tell the guys. I want them to think I eat nails for breakfast and wear a hair shirt under my clothes.”

Claire started giggling, then laughing so hard she had to sit down. The two of them were holding their stomachs laughing. Claire hadn’t felt so free in a long time. When they finally got control of themselves and were reduced to just giggles, Claire asked if she could treat Sam to a coffee.

The food court had a coffee bar; they ordered and got seats.

“Sam, it’s a bit unusual for a woman to run a security company. How did you get in the business?”

“Hmmm.” Sam sipped her coffee and put the cup down. “I guess I’ve always been a little aggressive.” She snorted. “Allright, a lot. After my parents died, I had to step up to the plate. While Danny’s older, he’s more of a pacifist. He would make jokes or walk away from trouble. At least, until someone threatened us or really pissed him off.” She smiled and shook her head. “Walking away is not in my vocabulary.”

“I can tell.”

“Anyhow, after college, I found out my best friend from high school was killed graduation night. It took me a while, but I investigated and found out that her ex-boyfriend murdered her. He had been abusive towards her, and she never told me.” Sam sighed. “I wish she had. I would have helped with her problem. It took a while, but I managed to get the boyfriend put in jail, where he stayed until he died in there about a year ago.”

Claire leaned back in the chair. This small woman impressed the heck out of her. Claire wished she could be so brave.

“So KnightGuard Security was started because of your friend.”

“Partly.”

Hmmm. Another time she would ask what the other part was, but it was enough for now. “And you help the shelters for abused women for the same reason?”

Sam nodded again. “It’s the least I can do. I felt powerless to help my friend then, but I have the ability, talent, and manpower to help others now.”

Claire took Sam’s hands in hers. “If I haven’t thanked you before, please accept my gratitude now. I don’t feel like such a charity case anymore.”

“You’ve never been a charity case, Claire. You’re family. This is what families do, and I have a feeling you’ll be passing it forward.”

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