Sybill lifted her hands. “I realized yesterday when I spoke with her that there was no lawyer. Gloria has always been a clever actress. I’d forgotten that, or I chose to forget that.”

“Were you aware that she had a drug problem?”

“No—again, not until yesterday. When I saw her, and spoke with her, it became clear that she’s not capable at this time of handling the responsibility of a child.”

“She doesn’t want the responsibility of a child,” Phillip commented.

“So you said,” Sybill responded coolly. “You indicated that she wanted money. I’m aware that money is important to Gloria. I’m also aware that she’s not stable. But it’s difficult for me to believe, without proof, that she’s done all that you claim.”

“You want proof?” Cam stepped forward, fury all but visible in waves around him. “You got it, sugar. Show her the letters, Anna.”

“Cam, sit down.” Anna’s order was firm before she turned back to Sybill. “Would you recognize your sister’s handwriting?”

“I don’t know. I suppose I might.”

“I have a copy of the letter found in Raymond Quinn’s car when he was killed, and one of the letters sent to us more recently.”

She took them out of the file and passed them over the desk into Sybill’s hands.

Words and phrases leaped out at her, burned into her mind.

Quinn, I’m tired of playing nickel and dime. You want the kid so bad, then it’s time to pay for him . . . A hundred and fifty grand’s a pretty good bargain for a good-looking boy like Seth.

Oh, God, was all Sybill could think. Dear God.

The letter to the Quinns after Ray’s death was no better.

Ray and me had an agreement.

If you’re set on keeping him . . . I’m going to need some money . . .

Sybill willed her hands to remain steady.

“She took this money?”

“Professor Quinn drew out cashier’s checks to Gloria DeLauter, twice for ten thousand dollars, once for five.” Anna spoke clearly and without emotion. “He brought Seth DeLauter to St. Christopher’s late last year. The letter you have is postmarked March tenth. The following day Professor Quinn arranged to cash out his bonds, some stock, and he drew large sums of cash out of his bank account. On March twelfth, he told Ethan he had business in Baltimore. On his return, he was killed in a single-car accident. There were just over forty dollars in his wallet. No other money was found.”

“He promised I wouldn’t have to go back,” Seth said dully. “He was decent. He promised, and she knew he’d pay her.”

“She asked for more. From you. From all of you.”

“And miscalculated.” Phillip leaned back, studying Sybill. Nothing showed, he noted, but her pallor. “She won’t bleed us, Dr. Griffin. She can threaten all she wants, but she won’t bleed us, and she won’t get Seth.”

“You also have a copy of the letter I wrote to Gloria DeLauter,” Anna stated. “I informed her that Seth was under the protection of Social Services, that an investigation by this office was under way on charges of child abuse. If she comes into the county, she’ll be served with a restraining order and a warrant.”