I started the engine and drove back to the house.

The driveway was empty when I pulled in.

Richard was still at work, and Claire wasn’t home from school yet.

I walked inside and went straight to my study.

I connected my phone to the printer and printed out two copies of the DNA report.

I placed one copy into a manila folder.

Inside the folder, I also placed the printed photograph of Rose and the slip of paper with the coroner’s phone number.

This was the evidence.

This was the truth that would change everything.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts.

I had to tell Claire today, before Richard got home and tried to spin another lie.

I would sit her down at the dining room table.

I would hold her hand and tell her how much I loved her, how she would always be my daughter.

And then, I would show her the papers.

I heard the sound of tires on the gravel driveway outside.

I walked to the window and looked out, expecting to see Claire’s old blue sedan.