Patricia took a sharp breath, her hand rising to her collar.

“Furthermore,” General Hayes said, turning the paper toward the lamp.

“Look at the genetic markers listed here.”

I stepped closer, my heart hammering against my ribs.

“According to this document, the child has an AB-negative blood type,” Hayes said.

“But your military medical file lists your blood type as O-positive, Captain.”

“And your husband’s civilian medical records, which were referenced in your housing application, list him as O-positive as well.”

“Two parents with type O blood cannot biologically produce a child with type AB blood.”

“It is a scientific impossibility.”

“Any basic high school biology student could tell you that.”

Daniel looked down at his shoes.

His face turned a deep, blotchy red.

“And there is more,” the General said, his voice cold and steady.

“The stamp at the bottom belongs to a testing facility in Maryland that was shut down for fraud last winter.”

“This is not a certified laboratory report, Daniel.”

“This is a template purchased online.”

The room went entirely silent except for the sound of the rain hitting the windowpane.