The set-up is a nightmare scenario. Pete Riley has got back from depositing two-year-old Theo at nursery when two strangers knock on his door. One introduces himself as Miles Lambert, the other is a private detective, and they have news for him. The boy he just dropped off is not Pete’s son, but Miles’s, and here is the DNA test to prove it.
Shocked Pete’s first thought is that partner Maddie had played away, but no. It seems two premature babies were mixed up at the intensive care unit, the error coming to light after recent genetic tests on the other boy, David. It is now clear that Miles is Theo’s father, and Pete’s son is David.
The one crumb of comfort is that Miles and Lucy seem a nice couple, eager to discuss and agree a way forward – do we swap, do we keep, do we share? But appearances can be deceptive. As the narrative is carried forward by Pete and Maddie it is interspersed with extracts from court papers that indicate any resolution is anything but amicable.
The direction of travel is worryingly clear from clues that pepper the narratives, as each innocent action (and some engineered situations) are noted, documented, and misinterpreted in the court papers. It is excruciating and all too plausible. The characters of Pete, Maddie, Miles, and Lucy are developed and laid bare for scrutiny; none are saints, but some flaws are more forgivable than others.
The story races along, driven by the need for resolution, but what would constitute a satisfactory ending for all involved, especially the kids? That we get one of sorts, is a relief after being put through such an emotional wringer.
Recommended, but not
to parents of children under three with no confirmatory DNA evidence to hand.
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