Chapter 6 - BloodlinesThe DNA test was done before sunrise.
Arthur refused to send samples to a regular lab. Evelyn called a retired federal forensic specialist who owed her a favor and still had access to a private chain-of-custody facility.
Blood from Arthur.
A cheek swab from Maya.
A cheek swab from Noah.
Maya sat very still while the nurse worked.
Noah asked if it would hurt.
Arthur said, “No.”
Noah looked at him and whispered, “People always say that.”
Arthur had no answer.
So he held out his own finger after the blood draw.
“Mine hurt a little.”
Noah studied him, then allowed the swab.
Victoria stood in the corner, arms wrapped around herself, face pale from blood loss and exhaustion.
Maya would not look at her.
Neither would Arthur.
At 8:41 a.m., the first result came back.
Evelyn read it.
Then read it again.
Arthur watched her face.
“Well?”
Evelyn looked at Maya first.
Then Noah.
Then Arthur.
“Probability of paternity is 99.9998 percent for both children.”
Noah frowned. “What does that mean?”
Maya understood.
She stared at Arthur as if he had suddenly become dangerous and precious at the same time.
Arthur’s knees almost gave out.
He crossed the room slowly and knelt in front of them.
“It means,” he said, his voice breaking, “you’re mine.”
Noah blinked.
“Like adopted?”
Arthur shook his head.
“Like born.”
Maya’s lip trembled.
“Our dad?”
Arthur nodded.
“If you’ll let me be.”
Maya made a small sound, half sob and half gasp.
Noah looked confused, then angry.
“Where were you?”
The question cut straight through him.
Arthur did not defend himself. He would not make children carry adult lies.
“I was told you died.”
Noah’s little face twisted.
“We didn’t.”
“I know.”
“You didn’t come.”
“I know.”
Maya whispered, “Noah.”
But Arthur lifted a hand.
“No. He gets to ask.”
Noah’s eyes filled. “Ruth said maybe someone lost us by accident.”
Arthur’s throat closed.
“I did not lose you by accident,” he said. “You were stolen from me.”
Maya looked at Victoria then.
Her voice was cold for a child.
“By her?”
Victoria closed her eyes.
Arthur looked at his wife.
“Answer her.”
Victoria opened her eyes. “Yes.”
Maya flinched.
Victoria stepped forward. “Not from the hospital. Not with my hands. But I helped hide the truth. So yes.”
Noah picked up a pillow from the sofa and threw it at her.
It hit the floor before reaching her.
“I hate you!” he screamed.
Victoria did not move.
“I know.”
Arthur gathered Noah before the boy could run. Noah fought for two seconds, then collapsed against him, crying so hard he could barely breathe.
Maya stood apart, shaking.
Arthur reached for her too, but she stepped back.
His hand froze.
Maya swallowed.
“If you’re our dad, why did she hate us?”
Arthur looked at Victoria.
Victoria looked destroyed.
“I didn’t hate you,” she whispered.
Maya’s laugh was sharp.
“You slapped me.”
“I know.”
“You called us nobody.”
“I know.”
“You tried to throw us away.”
Victoria’s voice broke.
“Because my father was coming.”
Maya stared at her.
“And I thought if I made you run, you might survive.”
The room went quiet.
Noah sniffed against Arthur’s shirt.
Maya’s face changed, but only slightly.
Not forgiveness.
Understanding was not forgiveness.
Arthur stood.
“We’re going to Ruth Calder’s house.”
Evelyn objected immediately. “Arthur—”
“I need the box.”
“I can send investigators.”
“Warren already sent killers into my house.”
“Which is why you should not leave.”
Victoria stepped forward. “He won’t send men to the house now.”
Everyone looked at her.
She swallowed.
“He’ll send fire.”
Arthur’s eyes narrowed.
“How do you know?”
May you like
Victoria’s face went gray.
“Because that is what he did to Olivia.”
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