Chapter 13 - SEVENTY-TWO HOURS
Northbrook announced it was closing.
The timing was suspicious.
Investigators learned that physical archives were scheduled for transfer to a private storage contractor within seventy-two hours.
Susan called Naomi.
“Do not let those records move.”
Rachel’s attorneys sought an emergency preservation order.
The clinic argued that everything had been digitized.
Susan disagreed.
“Vale hated digital systems. Anything dangerous will be on paper.”
The judge granted limited access.
Rachel, Grant, Claire, and several attorneys entered Northbrook’s basement archive under court supervision.
Boxes filled three rooms.
Treatment logs.
Donor intake sheets.
Specimen inventories.
Payment records.
Grant opened one carton dated 1987.
Inside was his mother’s file.
He stopped breathing.
Rachel stood beside him.
The chart documented William Mercer’s infertility.
Evelyn’s insemination.
Anonymous donor 41.
Then a loose sheet.
Handwritten.
Substitute approved—AV.
Grant sat on the floor.
No drama.
No shouting.
He simply stared.
Rachel crouched beside him.
“We have it.”
He shook his head.
“No.”
“What?”
“We have proof.”
His eyes filled.
“That isn’t the same thing as having an answer.”
Rachel understood.
Why?
Why had Vale done it?
Narcissism?
Control?
Delusion?
A belief that his genes were superior?
They might never know.
Then Claire shouted from the next aisle.
“Naomi!”
Everyone rushed over.
Inside another carton were videotapes.
Medical lectures.
Research recordings.
May you like
And one labeled:
PERSONAL—A.V.—2008.
