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“Corinne, I’m warning you. If I go down, you’re coming with me. You’re the captain of this sinking ship as much as I am, honey.”
All the blood drained from my face. The sound of a car pulling up grabbed my attention. I turned and ran from the house, hoping it was Daddy coming to get me.
“Miss Monroe?”
I focus as my professor calls my name. Looking around, I see everyone is gone. I look into her brown eyes and try not to burst into tears.
I clear my throat. “Um, Professor Marcy, I was wondering. The DNA testing. Could it … I mean, say a person took one of those. Could they find out who their father is? Like if, let’s say someone thought another family member was their father and not who they thought was their biological dad. Could this test tell them the truth?”
Professor Marcy looks at me thoughtfully. “This type of test wouldn’t be able to distinguish between let’s say father and son or brothers, not even close relatives like cousins. Not if you’re looking for paternity.
“It doesn’t work that way. It would only identify the relation. For true parentage, there is a test though.
“The person would need to do a DNA family reconstruction test. This will allow for the type of answers you’re asking about,” Professor Marcy says.
“Oh, do you know how long those can take?”
“I’ll give you information for a place I know of. I do believe you can get the results within five days from the date all samples are provided. The great part is you can use close relatives to get it done. You don’t need the parties involved,” she replies.
Tears begin to flow down my face as my lips tremble. I try to think of who I could get to provide me with a sample. I don’t want to needlessly hurt my daddy with my suspicions.
I could be wrong. Papa Vernon would be furious. Everyone knows he can’t stand my mama. Cousin Cliff, I’m as close to him as I am my daddy.
He’s like Daddy’s best friend. He’d want to help me and Daddy out while still helping to protect my daddy in the process. I’ll ask him.
I suck in a deep breath. “I’d like that information, please.”
CHAPTER 9
Crossing Boundaries
Trevor
The sun is hot, and it’s beating down on us. My white T-shirt is clinging to my skin. I think to myself about cutting my hair. I think I just might this summer.
I couldn’t be happier to see this weekend come in. It’s been a long and exhausting week. Not once have I run into Cakes. I know she’s here for sure because her Daddy keeps telling me how good she looks and how he’s happy to have her home.
However, she hasn’t been at the ranch when I drop in to check on Mrs. Darla and the ranch. I haven’t run into her at the hospital either. I’ve spent most of this week frustrated.
“I don’t know about living here permanently,” Bobby Mairettie says.
He looks just like his brother LaSalle. Although, I have noticed they have different last names. I haven’t pried. It’s none of my business.
I laugh. “You get used to it. That or you sit in the air and let the sun go down,” I say.
This right here is a nice change of pace. I’m at the family’s ranch with Lasalle, Tasha, and a few of their friends. Paige and her sister Pam are comical. The entire group has brought a good vibe with them.
I’ve just about forgotten the sour mood I was in when I arrived. I might get some planning done for Jess’s surprise birthday party while I’m here. There are still a few details I need to settle.
I can’t believe my baby is going to be eighteen this year. Boy how time flies. I remember when she was small enough to fit in a harness on my chest. Cliff and I would go out for a ride to settle her down when she would get all fussy. She’d fall right asleep strapped to my chest.
Back then, you would have thought Cliff was my partner and we were raising Jess together. I look over at my cousin by the stables and smile. I believe Jess brought us closer. I know she had a big part in helping him to heal.
“These ranches are impressive,” LaSalle says, drawing my attention.
“Nothing like ‘em,” I reply.
“Can I ask why you didn’t take this place over? From what I’ve learned, this was going to be yours. You already have a legacy and fortune here.”
I turn to look at LaSalle, still a bit thrown by how much he and his wife have dug up on me. His gray eyes are fixed on me as if he’s trying to put a puzzle together.
“Cliff loves it more than I do. I’m good with my hands and love the process of developing and building something I see in my head. I didn’t give up my ownership.
