A folder sat in the center—PATERNITY REPORT stamped in blue. Theodore was quiet, sleeves rolled, eyes on the table. Samantha faced me with her purse on her knees, chin tipped up as if this was already over.
She tapped the folder. “The lab excluded Theodore. We can end this."
I opened it. Numbers and signatures, except the details snagged. “This says the alleged father's sample was collected at 8:45 p.m. on Friday," I said. “But Theodore left for Albany before noon. The driver signed out at eleven thirty."
Samantha didn't blink. “Couriers log samples after hours all the time."
I slid the chain‑of‑custody form closer. “Then why does this barcode end with 72B while the custody sheet says 72E? And the collector's initials are carved into the paper like someone traced them."
Her smile falt
