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She’s referring to the DNA matching. I don’t need to ask for clarification. “And?”
“It’s a match.”
“How close a match?”
“Your prisoner is part of Jacob’s extended family. Not as close as a parent or sibling. A cousin maybe.”
“An aunt?” I probe.
“Yes. That’d be about right.”
“You’re sure about this? There can’t be any mistake or other possibilities?”
“The science doesn’t lie. I can’t guarantee the precise relationship, but it’s reasonably close and on his maternal side.”
“Right. Thanks, Megan.”
“You’re welcome.”
“One more thing.”
She turns at the top of the front steps. “Yes?”
“Could you look in on the prisoner while you’re here? She’s in a guest room on the first floor. You’ll find it easily enough, it’s the one with a bolt on the outside.”
“Is she ill? Or injured?”
“Not exactly. I just think she might welcome some company. If you have time.”
She nods. “I’m in no rush.”
“Thanks.” On an afterthought I add, “She doesn’t know about the DNA issue. I’d appreciate it if it stays that way, for now.”
“Okay. Are you going to tell her?”
“I will. Soon.”
She nods and enters the mansion, exchanging a few words with Tony as he passes her. He’s changed his clothes and has a duffel bag dangling from his shoulder. Together, we stride across the lawn to the waiting helicopter.
Mickey, Rome, and Moses are already belted in. The hop out to the Hebrides should take about an hour.
“I gather Jed O’Neill and Casey are flying in from the USA,” Tony says soon after we become airborne. “A real family reunion.”
He’s soon deep in conversation with Mickey regarding the relative merits of the Glock versus the Smith and Wesson. Moses is his usual taciturn self which gives me an opportunity to consider the implications of the DNA results.
I’m not surprised at the outcome, it was always what I suspected. And potentially this makes a massive difference to Ruth’s situation. I briefly consider going straight to Beth with all of this, but I decide to approach Aaron first. I’m assuming it will come as a shock to her, so better coming from him, not me.
My opportunity arises almost immediately after we arrive on the island. I go up to Aaron’s office and find him alone at his desk. He grins at me when I arrive in his doorway.
“Hey,” he says. “Are we starting?”
“Not for a few minutes yet. There was something I wanted to talk to you about.”
I have his interest. He leans back in his chair, arms folded. “Is this about the DNA results?”
I nod. “Positive. It’s a match.”
He lets out a low whistle. “Have you spoken to Ethan?”
