Chapter 3 - THE DOCTOR WHO LOOKED AWAY
Dr. Bell was seventy-one, with silver hair, careful hands, and the tired expression of a man who had spent his life telling wealthy families that money could solve almost anything.
He had treated Luca since the accident.
He had also signed the report declaring him permanently infertile.
“Luca,” he said, “I understand there has been a misunderstanding.”
Luca placed both reports on the desk.
“Which one?”
The doctor looked at them.
“The first was preliminary.”
“It says no permanent damage was identified.”
“Preliminary findings can change.”
“Then explain the second report.”
Dr. Bell removed his glasses.
“Your injuries were severe. There were complications. The conclusion was based on the tests available at the time.”
“Did you perform the tests?”
“I supervised them.”
“That's not what I asked.”
The doctor's gaze shifted toward me.
“Mrs. Varenna, this is a sensitive medical matter.”
“I'm carrying the child,” I said. “It concerns me.”
He looked uncomfortable.
Luca's voice became colder.
“Answer the question.”
Dr. Bell took a breath.
“I did not personally collect the samples.”
“Who did?”
“A laboratory technician.”
“Name.”
“I don't remember.”
“Then you remember very little about a diagnosis that supposedly changed my entire life.”
“Luca, you were in pain. You were recovering from major trauma. Your family was under pressure. I was trying to help.”
“By telling me I could never have a child?”
“By giving you the most likely prognosis.”
Luca slid the second report across the desk.
“Your signature is on this.”
“Yes.”
“And the laboratory code?”
The doctor stared at the page.
His face went pale.
Luca noticed.
“What does that code mean?”
“Nothing.”
“Try again.”
Dr. Bell slowly sat down.
“It was an administrative reference.”
Marco stepped closer to the door.
Luca did not raise his voice. “I want the original laboratory records, the sample log, the names of every person who handled the tests, and the complete surgical file from the accident.”
“Some of those records may no longer exist.”
“Then find out who destroyed them.”
The doctor looked toward me again.
“Mrs. Varenna, I strongly recommend that you undergo independent prenatal testing. There may be complications—”
“What kind?”
“I can't say without examining you.”
“Then don't frighten her with a possibility you can't explain,” Luca said.
Dr. Bell stood.
“I will retrieve what I can.”
He left without shaking either of our hands.
When the door closed, I turned to Luca.
“He knows something.”
“Yes.”
“Do you think he lied?”
“I think he is afraid.”
“Of you?”
Luca looked toward the door.
“Not of me.”
He picked up his phone and called Marco.
“Find out where Dr. Bell is going. Quietly. And get me the name of the technician who handled the original samples.”
Then he turned back to me.
“I want you to see an independent obstetrician tomorrow.”
“I already have an appointment.”
“Then I'll arrange security for the trip.”
“Luca, I don't want to become a prisoner.”
His expression softened.
“You won't. But I won't pretend this is ordinary news anymore.”
He rested his hand gently over mine.
“Someone may have built a lie around my body. If they discover that lie has produced an heir, they may try to protect it.”
May you like
“Protect the lie?”
“Or destroy the evidence.”
