Vivienne. Just an ordinary suburban housewife… no more. Colin Palmer

shook his shaggy head and stepped forward to look at the chart on the screen Barnes had been studying. He had no idea what it meant, and glanced at Barnes.

      “We’re not going tonight then, to the caravan park I mean?”

      Barnes didn’t look at him, but Pete saw the frown. “Yes, yes, but look at the readings will you.” Barnes was excited. Pete was confused.

      “I’m looking boss, but I don’t know what it means. We are going tonight or we aren’t?”

      Foster stood upright and finally looked at Pete. “We’re having two conversations here, so, to clear the first, yes, we are going tonight, backup or no backup. Now, look at the chart. See the red line?” The chart comprised every colour of the rainbow in almost every hue imaginable. It stretched across two thirds of the screen, but the highest point was a thin red line. “Yes, the tallest line I’m talking about. This is the chemical analysis from the celery and onion from the takeout. Ostensibly, it’s Vivienne’s DNA.”

      “That’s if it was Vivienne.”

      “It was her alright. I don’t need to tell you that DNA is unique, even more than fingerprints are.”

      “Yes, but how do you know what her DNA is in the first place? We haven’t collected any hair or clothing or sample of anything from her before?”

      “We don’t have to. I mean if we did, I’d bet next year’s wage that it matched this one.”

      “How can you be so sure it’s hers?”

      “The red line Pete, that little thin red line.”

      Chapter 18

      “New Discovery”

      “Go to bed.”

      “Aw, but Mum?”

      “It’s late, get into bed now young man.”

      “But you said I could wait up for Dad?”

      “I’ll make sure he comes up and tucks you in as soon as he’s through the door.”

      “Aw, Mum.”

      “Foster! Go to bed now. I mean it.”

      “Yes Mum.”

      He was about to shut off his computer when he heard the electric garage door activate. Excited, he left the screen on and jumped into bed, pulling the covers up as the car engine died. The garage door ran again, then the car door. Heavy footsteps into the house. Some murmuring. Silence. He peeked out from one eye and saw his bedroom door slowly opening. He clenched his eyes closed. Soft padding steps toward the bed. The hoarse whisper close to his ear.

      “I know you’re awake. Your Mother told me.” Foster laughed and sat up into the bear hug waiting for him. “Sorry I was late son.”

      “That’s okay Dad. Look. Look at the computer. I got it!”

      Big brown eyes looked at him proudly. “Did you now? Well done, congratulations. But it’s late. We’ll look at it in the morning.”