Chapter 4: Pamela’s File
Pamela came to the mansion under Victor’s rules: recorded, counsel present, no speeches about good intentions without documents.
She brought a drive and a confession that had been rehearsed into shame. Jocelyn had been a patient with failed donor rounds and a partner who wanted a child with “status genetics.” Pamela had rationalized access as mercy. She had not rationalized the letter taped to a blanket or a dumpster. She swore Jocelyn had bonded, had named the baby, had left the hospital happy.
Victor asked who else could have pulled chain-of-custody logs. Pamela’s hands shook. “My department head. Your cousin Julian called once, months ago, asking theoretical questions about sample ownership after dissolution of engagement. I thought he was protecting you.”
Spencer’s laugh was short and joyless. “Julian protects the name. Not me.”
After Pamela left, security reviewed gate footage. A dark sedan at 2:14 a.m. two nights before Charlee’s discovery—plate partially mudded, figure placing a cardboard box near the service wall, walking back without hurry. The gait analysis contractor Victor used would not swear in court on a Sunday clip alone. It was enough to put Julian on a short list and freeze certain trust authorizations “pending review.”
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Mabel, polishing a glass she had already polished, said, “Mr. Julian asked me last week which cameras covered the service alley. Said he was worried about package thieves.”
Spencer thanked her for remembering. Mabel’s eyes said she had always remembered more than the family preferred.
