For the first time, Stephen spoke.
“What does any of this have to do with Harlow legal taking Claire’s file?”
Mercer gave him a long look.
“Harlow lawyers were terrified the genetic testing would become public.”
“Why?”
“Consent procedures.”
Stephen understood first.
“They hadn’t properly consented families for genetic analysis.”
“Correct.”
There it was.
Not murder.
Not disappearance.
A corporate ethical failure serious enough to bury records and create decades of suspicion.
“The company had consent for health testing,” Mercer explained, “but the genetic component had been added through language many participants did not understand. Claire threatened to expose it.”
“Did Harlow threaten her?”
“I never witnessed a threat.”
“Did they pressure her?”
“Yes.”
“How?”
“They offered a settlement.”
“Did she take it?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
“She resigned.”
“And left town?”
“Eventually.”
I stared at Claire’s letter.
“Where did she go?”
Mercer smiled faintly.
“I promised not to tell your father.”
