"Who changed the records?"
"Rowan's legal team arranged it. I signed a false statement."
I stared at him.
He lowered his eyes.
"I knew it was wrong."
For a moment, I couldn't speak.
Then I noticed another document in the envelope.
It was a research agreement.
At the top were the words:
**PROJECT LUMEN — EXPERIMENTAL OCULAR TREATMENT PROGRAM.**
I looked at my father.
"What is Project Lumen?"
His face changed.
He reached for the document.
I pulled it away.
"Dad."
He swallowed.
"It was an experimental treatment program run through Rowan's foundation."
"On children?"
He didn't answer.
My heart began racing.
"How many children?"
His silence frightened me.
Finally, he whispered:
"More than you."
***
That night, I returned to the hospital with the documents.
Dr. Harris examined the research agreement.
His expression grew increasingly grim.
"Project Lumen," he murmured.
"You've heard of it?"
He nodded.
"It was a private research program that explored experimental methods of treating serious corneal injuries. It closed after several complications."
