Vanessa remained standing. “You promised a conversation,” she replied. “I do not trust you yet.”
Gregory loosened his tie, exhaustion cracking his anger.
“Tell me what you know about your past,” he said. “Anything the orphanage ever told you.”
Vanessa folded her arms. “They told me I was left at the door in a basket during heavy rain,” she said. “A woman wrapped me in a worn leather jacket before leaving. No note. No name. Only this necklace tied around my neck with a tight knot.”
Gregory’s eyes widened. “A leather jacket,” he repeated. “Describe it.”
“I never saw it myself,” she said. “The caretaker told me it smelled of gasoline and metal, like someone who worked with machines.”
Gregory looked away, pain twisting his features.
A knock came at the door. Dr. Callahan entered with a medical case and wary curiosity.
“What madness is this,” the doctor asked.
Gregory showed the locket. The doctor recognized the gravity at once.
Samples were taken. A check was written. The doctor left with a promise of results within hours.
Vanessa moved toward the door. “I will go now,” she said.