“Yes,” Jefferson answered as he scanned the document. “The firm has always handled the Van Meters’ business and personal affairs.”

“Norman Spencer, Ashley’s father, had a summer love affair with Casey Van Meter when they were in college. Ms. Van Meter became pregnant but she kept this fact from Norman. Henry Van Meter arranged for Ashley to be adopted. Norman found out and hired my father, Ken Philips, to fight for Ashley. After negotiations with Henry and his attorney, Norman Spencer was permitted to adopt Ashley in secret. Anton Brucher and your firm handled the matter. I want the court to see the files. They should prove that Ashley Spencer is Casey’s daughter.”

“These files would be so old that they might not exist anymore,” Jefferson said. “And even if they do exist, I can’t agree to turn them over. They’re protected by attorney-client privilege.”

“Where would your firm keep them, if they do exist?” the judge asked.

“There is a company that specializes in storing business files. They own a warehouse. Our closed files are stored there.”

“I want you to look for the files and tell the court if they exist,” Judge Gish said. “If they do, and your client doesn’t want to turn them over, make your legal arguments and we’ll go from there.”

“Good enough, Judge.”

“Now, I want everyone to sit down while I read the papers Mr. Philips and Mr. Botteri have handed me, and I don’t want to be interrupted.”

The parties waited while Judge Gish read the documents. When she was done, she removed her glasses and massaged her closed eyelids.

“And I thought that I was going to have an uneventful day.”

The judge replaced her glasses and looked at the litigants.

“This is much too complicated to decide this morning.”

“I’ve been thinking, Judge,” Botteri said. “A DNA test would settle the question of Ms. Spencer’s relationship to Casey Van Meter.”

The judge turned to Ashley’s lawyer. “Mr. Philips, would your client be willing to have her DNA tested to clear up any questions of maternity?”

Jerry and Ashley conferred for a moment. Then Philips addressed the court.

“Miss Spencer has no problem with the test, Your Honor.”

“All right. I am going to adjourn to give Mr. Jefferson time to find the files and Miss Spencer a chance to take a DNA test. I want the parties to agree on the procedure and what lab will do the testing. When the parties are ready, notify me and we’ll set a new date for the hearing.”

As soon as court was adjourned, Randy Coleman and his attorney left the courtroom followed by Monte Jefferson, but Miles stayed behind.

“Jerry,” he said, nodding to Philips. Then he smiled warmly at Ashley.

“It’s so good to see you.”

“I heard about your father.” Ashley said. “I’m sorry he passed away. He was very kind to me.”

“He was very fond of you, Ashley. He really worried when you disappeared. We both did.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you. I didn’t want to worry anyone. I…I just had to go.”

“I understand. Where have you been?”

“Overseas,” Ashley answered evasively, still unwilling to trust anyone with any information about her hiding place in case she had to return to it.

Miles looked her over and smiled. “Well, the five years haven’t hurt. You look great. I like the hair.”

Ashley smiled. “Thanks.”

Miles glanced at his watch. “I have to go back to my office for a meeting.” He paused, as if he’d just gotten an idea. “Would you like to have dinner tonight? I’d like to catch up on what you’ve been doing.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Jerry said.

“Why?” Ashley asked.

“You shouldn’t be socializing. You’re adversaries in this lawsuit.”

“We may also be relatives,” Miles said to Jerry. “This claim of yours has been a total shock to me, but I couldn’t be happier if it’s true.”

“I would like to talk to Miles,” Ashley told Philips. “It’s just dinner. I’ll be okay.”

Miles handed Ashley and Jerry business cards. “You two talk this over. I don’t want to do anything improper. If you want to have dinner with me tonight, give me a call.”

Miles headed up the aisle. Jerry watched him until he was out of earshot. They both cast nervous looks at the reporter and Larry Birch, who were walking in their direction.

“If you talk to Miles, remember that you’re on opposite sides in this case.”

“Don’t worry. Miles has always been nice to me. I don’t think he’d try to take advantage.”

“You have no idea what he’ll do now that you’re adversaries.”

“I’ll be on guard, okay?”

Jerry blushed. “Sorry, it’s the lawyer in me.”

“I’m glad you’re looking out for my interests.”

The reporter appeared at their shoulder and cleared her throat.

“Ashley, my name is Rebecca Tilman,” she said. “May I ask you a few questions?”

“Miss Spencer is not going to grant an interview now,” Jerry said. “If she decides to, we’ll contact you.”

“But this is an important story,” the reporter insisted.

“That may be true, but Miss Spencer will not agree to be interviewed now.”

The reporter started to say something, then decided to leave with her scoop. She turned and headed for the door.

“Hello, detective,” Ashley said.

“Long time no see,” Birch answered. It sounded like a joke but Birch looked dead serious.

“I’m sorry I left the way I did.”

“We were sorry, too. But you’re okay, and that’s what counts.”

“Have there been any new developments with Joshua Maxfield?”

“He’s still wanted, and there are at least two new homicides in other states that might be his work.”

“Where were they?”

“ Ohio and Iowa.”

“So he’s left Oregon?”

“Apparently, but that may change now that you’re back”

“We’re worried about that ourselves, detective,” Jerry said. “We were going to get in touch with you about protection for Ashley.”

“That may be a little hard to arrange after the stunt she pulled.”

“She was running for her life after your people failed to protect her,” Jerry said.

“Two good men died trying,” Birch answered angrily.

“I’m sorry,” Jerry apologized, “but you can see why Ashley ran.”

Birch took a deep breath and calmed down.

“I felt very badly about what happened at the Academy, but you still shouldn’t have run. I’ll talk to my captain and see what we can do to keep you safe.”

“Do you want me to drive you back to your apartment?” Jerry asked when Birch left.

“No. I’ll walk. I’m used to that from Italy. And I want to look around the city. I might even shop a little.”

“Okay. I’ll be at the office if you need me. And think twice before you accept Miles’s dinner invitation.”

“Jerry. You’ve been great. But you don’t have to baby-sit me. I’m twenty-two and I’ve been taking care of myself for a while.”

Jerry’s neck flushed. “Point taken. I just want what’s best for you.”

Miles had chosen an upscale restaurant loaded with glass and chrome and he was waiting in a quiet corner booth when Ashley arrived. He wore a tan suit, an Oxford blue shirt, and a striped tie. Ashley wore the suit she’d worn to court, because it was the only nice outfit she owned.

Miles stood when the maitre d’ showed her to the booth.

“I’m so glad you agreed to have dinner,” he said as she sat down. “Do you want a cocktail or some wine? They have a very good cellar here.”

“Wine is okay.”

Miles told the waiter what he wanted while Ashley busied herself with the menu. As soon as the waiter left, Miles stared at her. The examination made Ashley uncomfortable. Miles noticed. He smiled.

“Sorry, but I can’t help myself. This idea that you might be my niece is very strange.”

“No stranger than the idea that Casey might be my mother.”

“I was so relieved to see you in court today and to know that you were safe. There were times on my book tour when I would be giving a reading and I’d look around the audience, hoping you’d be somewhere in the back. I really worried about you.”