Chapter 9 - THE DOCTOR WHO FINALLY SPOKE
The original hospital records were difficult to obtain.
St. Agnes had changed ownership twice.
Several archives had been transferred.
Some documents were missing.
But eventually, Luca's attorneys located Dr. Charles Whitmore.
He was retired.
Living quietly outside Providence.
And reluctant to discuss the past.
Luca met him with legal counsel present.
I waited nearby.
After nearly an hour, Whitmore admitted something.
The infertility conclusion in Luca's file had not been supported by the complete follow-up testing ordinarily needed to establish such a prognosis.
Vittorio had pressured him to issue a definitive letter.
Whitmore had complied.
He had accepted money.
And spent twelve years regretting it.
Luca listened in silence.
Then asked:
“Did you know what that letter would do to me?”
Whitmore looked down.
“Yes.”
Luca's jaw tightened.
“You let me believe I could never have children.”
The doctor began crying.
“I'm sorry.”
Luca stood.
For a moment, I thought he might lose control.
Instead, he turned toward the door.
Then stopped.
“Your apology doesn't give me back twelve years.”
He looked at Whitmore.
May you like
“But the truth might protect my child.”
And he walked away.
