Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

within the confines of Federal parklands. I believe that
clarifies our status.”
“Yes,” Josie answered. She would not leave it at that but
Reynolds didn’t have to know. The good thing about a legal
standing was that exception was the rule. If anyone could find
it in this case, she could.
“Good. Then you will also understand that there is nothing I
can do for you personally. I have no proof you are who you
say you are.” Bernard Reynolds voice was flat but it quivered
just a bit.
“I can give you a birth certificate, driver license. I’ll give
you…”
“You could have twenty driver licenses,” Reynolds stopped
her, unwilling to listen. “I have no doubt your names are the
same, and that there is a resemblance, but none of that does me
any good. Ha Kuna House and its administrator is legal
guardian for Emily. How am I to know if Emily is your mother
and not an aunt or a sister? And even if I took the
mother/daughter relationship at face value, I have no
independent corroboration that you are a sympathetic party.
Given what you’ve told me and your behavior here today, I
could argue that you are not here to help Emily at all. Perhaps
you are looking for payback for something.”
“Reynolds! Please. No need to be insulting.” Before
Stephen could finish, Reynolds turned on him.
“Then let me point out that you are pretty much a name on
an invoice to me. I should have thrown you both out.”
Josie talked over him, “My mother’s disappearance is a
matter of record.”
“I only care about what happens now. I am not at liberty to
discuss anything about Emily without her express consent. She
can’t give it, and I choose not to answer any questions about
this institution.”
Bernard Reynolds stood up. Stephen did the same, twirling
the chair and putting it back where he had found it.