“Yes. I found out when I did an online DNA search of myself for the forensic genealogy project.”
“Wow,” Dr. Cutty said. “Sorry the project has spun into all of this.”
“For what it’s worth, this will make for a great dissertation if I can get that far.”
“Do you need anything?”
“You’ve already helped by offering your opinions on those autopsy reports. They’re linked to my story.”
“How?”
“I’m working on figuring that out.”
“I hope I get to hear about it soon.”
“Absolutely.”
“Listen, Sloan, just a heads up. This morning there were news vans parked outside the office. I’m sure they’re hoping to catch you entering the building. I’ve received calls from NBC and HAP News. Word has leaked that you’re studying under me.”
“Sorry to cause so much trouble.”
“Please. None of this is your fault. I’ll deal with the commotion here, you just take care of yourself. I told my networks that I have no comment on the story, and I won’t be touching it unless you need my help.”
“Thank you. I’m not sure what I need yet, but I’ll call you when I figure it out.”
“I have contacts, Sloan. So when you do want to tell your story, I can put you in touch with the right people. This story consumed the public back when it happened, and people will be interested in it until they have answers. You could consider beating them to the punch and giving an interview to the right person. Avery Mason or Dante Campbell. I could arrange it, and it would stop the stampede.”
“Thanks. And I’ll definitely consider it, once I have some answers to give them.”
“Understood. One other thing,” Dr. Cutty said. “Hayden Cox told me that a woman approached him in the parking lot the other day asking about you. She claimed to be an old high school friend who was trying to track you down. Hayden told her you were out of town. He now thinks the woman was Ryder Hillier. Have to suspect that she’ll be the first journalist to Cedar Creek to find you.”
“Damn,” Sloan said.
She hadn’t planned on having to dodge the press while she looked for answers to what happened to her birth parents.
“Thanks Dr. Cutty.”
“Keep me posted, and let me know if you need anything.”
“Will do.”
As soon as Sloan ended the call, her phone rang again. It was her mother. She looked at Eric through the screen door and held up the phone.
“Sorry, I’ve got to take this.”
She turned and walked down the steps of the front porch.
“Hello?”
“Have you seen the papers?” her mother asked.
“Just now, yes.”
“It’s in the New York Times.”
“Delightful.”
“Listen, Sloan. On Monday morning, I had something strange happen at the office.”