‘Dr Matthews, please be assured that, as I explained over the telephone, there is not the slightest possibility of the unfortunate young woman’s fate being linked to yourself or your practice. Her remains have been disposed of according to our exacting protocols.’
‘Well, Thaddeus, I hope you are confident of that. Because, as I am sure you realise, I know rather more about your organisation than would be convenient for yourself – and the hierarchy that you service – if I should find myself under threat of exposure.’
‘Quite. We are, indeed, fully aware of that, Dr Matthews. This whole episode has been regrettable. However, the Organisation has significant resources at its disposal to guarantee that no traces will be found and no blame apportioned.’
‘I repeat: let us hope that is the case. And may I also remind you that I cautioned you that it would be inadvisable to let the father…’
‘The sponsor,’ insisted Thaddeus Jones.
‘The father, the sponsor, whatever grandiloquence you prefer. I warned that it was inadvisable to allow the sponsor access to the girl at such a late stage in the… confinement. This in itself would have been manageable, but the man took advantage of the situation to satisfy some perverse proclivities. However… experienced these young women are, there are limits to what a late pregnancy can tolerate. Her death was not unrelated to what she was exposed to during parturition. I should have been notified immediately it became clear that the membranes had ruptured.’
‘Unfortunately, the doula was not alerted until the situation was quite advanced, by which time the sponsor had left. You were informed immediately.’
‘And this sponsor, who I presume will be billed for extra services rendered, is now the parent of two healthy young females? Well, God help us all, Thaddeus.’