Chapter 5 - The Man Who Wanted Silence
Leonard Vale asked the nurses to leave the room.
They refused until Joanna confirmed that she felt safe with Daniel and her mother present.
Once the door closed, Leonard placed a folder on the table.
“I appreciate that everyone is emotional,” he began. “However, Dr. Wright has allowed a personal tragedy to interfere with his professional judgment.”
Daniel took a step toward him.
“Did your father arrange illegal adoptions?”
Leonard’s smile disappeared.
“My father has been dead for nine years.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
“There is no evidence that St. Matthew’s participated in illegal adoptions.”
Robert held up the key.
“There is evidence.”
Leonard’s eyes briefly moved toward it.
The movement was small, but Daniel noticed.
“So you know about the box,” Daniel said.
Leonard recovered quickly.
“I know Dr. Wright has spent years collecting rumors.”
Robert’s voice remained steady.
“Your father accepted payments from private attorney Malcolm Price. Price arranged infants for couples who could pay cash and did not want to wait for legal adoption.”
Leonard looked at Joanna.
“You have just given birth. You should not be disturbed by these accusations.”
Joanna’s expression hardened.
“Do not use my condition to dismiss me.”
Linda nodded approvingly.
Leonard continued.
“The hospital is prepared to offer your family private accommodations, complete coverage of all medical expenses, and counseling services.”
Daniel laughed without humor.
“You’re offering money before anyone has even requested a DNA test.”
“I am offering support.”
“You are trying to buy silence.”
Leonard looked toward Robert.
“This is exactly the kind of reckless statement that creates legal problems.”
Robert stepped closer.
“Then allow the test.”
Leonard paused.
“No genetic testing will be performed using hospital resources until our legal department reviews the situation.”
Daniel moved beside Joanna’s bed.
“We don’t need your permission.”
“You need proper procedures.”
“My son needs a routine blood screening. I need a cheek swab. Robert needs a cheek swab. We can send the samples to an independent laboratory.”
Leonard looked at him carefully.
“You should consider the consequences before making claims that could hurt your adoptive parents.”
Daniel’s fists tightened.
“Leave them out of this.”
“Were they aware that the adoption was illegal?”
“They were told my birth mother had died.”
“Can they prove that?”
Daniel moved forward, but Joanna called his name.
He stopped.
Leonard picked up his folder.
“I suggest everyone rest. Tomorrow, when emotions have settled, we can discuss this rationally.”
As he turned toward the door, Robert spoke.
“Your father kept a ledger.”
Leonard stopped.
“A blue leather ledger containing every payment, every infant’s original name, and every new identity.”
For the first time, fear appeared in Leonard’s eyes.
Robert continued.
“Malcolm Price’s secretary told me about it before she died.”
Leonard slowly turned.
“Where is it?”
Robert looked at him.
“So it exists.”
Leonard realized his mistake.
Daniel did too.
The room became silent.
Leonard’s face hardened.
“You have no idea what you are doing.”
Robert’s voice dropped.
“I know exactly what I am doing.”
Leonard walked out.
Daniel waited until the door closed.
“He’ll go after the box.”
“Yes,” Robert replied.
“Then why tell him about it?”
“Because I needed to know whether he had heard of the ledger.”
Joanna frowned.
“You used us to test him?”
Robert’s confidence faded.
“You’re right. I should not have done that.”
Daniel looked toward the hallway.
“Where is the key really for?”
Robert opened his hand.
“It is not for the hidden box.”
“Then what does it open?”
“A safe-deposit box across the street.”
“And what is inside?”
May you like
Robert looked at Daniel.
“The original ledger.”
