The screen now displayed pictures from Number Seven's life. From childhood to present. Two flipped through the pages while the doctor watched impatiently and the Director looked board. Number Two found the information his intuition told him to be faults. Now the screen showed a grisly murder scene. A woman crumpled on the floor, her body outlined in white chalk. The girl's mother. Killed in a botched burglary.
"It says here, Doctor, that Number Seven's father abandoned her after the death of her mother."
The doctor leaned in, squinted at the report. "Yes," he said without particular interest.
Two flipped through the file until the screen displayed Number Seven as a frightened child surrounded by police. The picture had been taken at the crime scene. "What in your medical opinion would that do to a young mind?
"The violent lose of a parent followed by the abandonment of another would cause deep emotional trauma. "
"And how would this manifest?"
"Such trauma, particularly at a young age creates a fracture of the psyche." The doctor said analytically. "Depression, anxiety and abandonment issues are common. Such subjects are found to have unstable and often malleable personalities."
"You have observed Number Seven," Two said quietly. "How would you characterize her?"
Displeasure crossed the doctor's face. "Subject displays an independent and defiant nature. As I've stated before, most unsuitable."
"And yet given this report and you're own expert analyses, Number Seven ought to be the perfect subject."
Sudden interest glittered in the doctor's eyes. He looked at the face on the screen as if seeing it for the first time. "If I may?" he reached for the report with as impertinent a look as he dared.
Two waited with grave patience as the doctor scanned the pages with the desperation of a castaway searching the horizon.
"I wonder Doctor, how you might have missed this rather glaring inconsistency."
"Of course I haven't examined the subject myself," he said, the petulance returning to his tone.
"Had I done, I'm would most certainly have discovered it,"
"It's been brought to your attention now." Two said unkindly. "How do you account for it?"
"I'm unable to. However were I permitted to examine the subject..."
"Out of the question," Two snapped, far too quickly.
Surprise registered in the doctor's face. Number Two gathered himself quickly "While I appreciate your enthusiasm, for the time being there are other paths of inquiry I intend to pursue."
"Very well. I will have you know I refuse to take responsibility for this debacle."
"Duly noted."
A glimmer of suspicion. "If that will be all. I have my duties to attend to."
"Very well." The doctor turned to go. "Speak to no one of this."
The doctor stopped and looked back. Vague resentment tinged his tone. "Of course."
As the door closed Two returned to his chair. The Director waited
"You've been here a long time," he said almost absently.
"Yes, Sir."
"What do you make of this business with Number Seven?"
"Obviously there has been a mistake."
"Has anything like this happened before?"
"No, Sir. Village intelligence is extremely good."
"If not a mistake, then perhaps a misdirection."
"Sir?"
"I want you to discover which. And I want it done quickly and quietly."
"Yes, Sir."
"That will be all."
As the Director went out Number Two changed the view on the screen finding Number Six now heading back towards the village. He moved with the determination of a man pursuing a plan. It would be good to have a chat.