But say, even further, that when we go through our records, we discover that both children share a specific genetic abnormality. Bingo! It would appear that the particular disorder displayed by the two children may have its roots in genetics.”
Lucy shook her head. “It sounds too simple.”
“Yes,” Randolph agreed. “But even granted the oversimplification, that’s basically what we do. In the long run, of course, the idea is to determine which genetic deficiencies are benign and which ones are going to cause problems to the child later. It’s up to other researchers to try to figure out ways of correcting or compensating for the deficiencies and abnormalities.”
“And that’s all you do?” Lucy asked.
“That’s all we do,” Randolph assured her.
“Then why wasn’t I told you were studying Randy?”
“Perhaps you were and don’t remember it,” Randolph suggested.
“Where my son is concerned, I wouldn’t have forgotten,” Lucy shot back. “I would have wanted to know exactly what the study was about, what would be required from Randy, and how he had been chosen.”
“But that’s just the point, Mrs. Corliss.” Randolph’s voice was gentle and soothing. “The study was no more than a survey, it required nothing from Randy, and he was chosen at random. It was purely a matter of chance that Randy was selected for our study.”
“Then you won’t mind showing me the results of the study, will you?”
“Results? But, Mrs. Corliss, there aren’t any results yet. The survey will go on until the children are all grown up.”
“But what about the ones who don’t grow up?” Lucy asked. “What about the ones who die in infancy, or get sick, or are victims of accidents? Surely you must have some results? If you don’t, I should think you’d have given the whole thing up by now.”
For the first time, Randolph seemed at a loss for words. Lucy decided to press her advantage. “Mr. Randolph, the nurse at Randy’s school says that of all the children in the school, Randy and the three others you’re studying have the best health records. Randy’s never been sick a day in his life, never hurt himself badly, never shown any signs of being slow, or abnormal, or anything else. Now, doesn’t it seem reasonable that if I discover someone has been studying him, I might also wonder just why they were studying him? And if Randy is remarkable—and he is—doesn’t it seem reasonable that I might begin to think the people who are studying him might want a closer look?”
The color had drained from Randolph’s face, and his smile had settled into a tight line of anger. “Mrs. Corliss, are you suggesting that CHILD kidnaped your son?”
“I don’t know, Mr. Randolph,” Lucy replied coldly. “But I know it would do a great deal toward setting my mind at rest if you would show me the study Randy was involved in, together with any results that have come from that study. I don’t pretend that I’ll understand it, but IH be able to find someone who will. And although I can’t be sure of it right now, I suspect that what you’ve been doing without my consent, and without Randy’s consent, amounts to invasion of privacy.”
Randolph sank back into his chair. His right hand brushed distractedly at his hair. “Mrs. Corliss, I’m not sure what I can do for you,” he said at last. “But of course, I’ll do my best. It will take a little time to find out exactly which of our surveys Randy was involved in and put together a report for you. Believe me, well do it Nothing like this has ever happened before, and CHILD has been functioning for nearly twenty years. But I can tell you right now that we had nothing to do with the disappearance of your son.”
“How long will it take?” Lucy asked.
“A couple of days.”
Lucy stood up. “Then I’ll expect to hear from you, Mr. Randolph. Day after tomorrow?”
“I’ll call you, Mrs. Corliss. If you’ll just leave your address with my secretary …”
Lucy smiled icily. “I’ll do that, Mr. Randolph, but I can’t imagine it’s necessary. I’ll sure that somewhere in your flies you already have my address.”
She picked up her purse, and without offering Randolph her hand, left his office.
When she was gone, Paul Randolph sat down heavily at his desk. Sweat had broken out on his brow.
What he had always feared was starting to happen.
Randy Corliss was spending the afternoon playing a game he still didn’t quite understand. It was sort of like hide-and-seek, and