“What does this have to do with the baby?” It was way too early for discourse on evolutionary molecular biology.

“BGA markers can be used to determine what percentage of an individual’s DNA is shared with Africans, Europeans, Asians, or Native Americans. The technique has been used in a number of high-profile criminal investigations. Shall I explain the process?”

“Keep it short.”

“The test examines for the presence of one hundred and seventy-five SNPs called AIMs, or ancestry informative markers. Are you with me?”

An SNP, or single nucleotide polymorphism, is a DNA sequence variation in which a single base varies between members of a species or between paired chromosomes in an individual. In mega-oversimplified terms, it means there are multiple forms of a “gene.” Millions of SNPs have been cataloged in the human genome. Some are responsible for diseases, such as sickle cell. Others are normal variations.

“Yes,” I said.

“Compared to other animal species, the genetic diversity exhibited by Homo sapiens is minuscule. That’s because our common links are so recent. We’re ninety-nine-point-nine percent identical at the level of our DNA. It’s that little bitty one tenth of one percent that makes us different.”

I heard a series of beeps, checked the phone screen. Ollie. Already? Though curious, I hit ignore.

“—according to Frudakis, and others agree, about one percent of that one tenth of one percent differs as a function of our history. His method mines that point-oh-oh-one percent to find distinctive differences that determine genetic ancestry. Several companies are now doing this type of analysis, some for genealogical purposes, others to aid in forensic investigations. Sorenson Forensics has a program called LEADSM. I have a very dear friend there who—”

“The Saint-Hyacinthe baby’s genetic markers were compared to those found in specific reference populations?” I was eager to finish the call and get back to Ollie.

“Yes? The results suggest she is seventy-two percent indigenous American and twenty-eight percent Western European.”

That got my attention. “The baby’s parents are aboriginal?”

“One or the other might have been categorized as such. Race is such a complex—”

“Thank you so much. This is really very helpful. Sorry, but I have to take another call.”

I disconnected and dialed Ollie. He answered on the first ring.

“It’s Brennan. You phoned?”

“Good morning, starshine. Sorry to wake you.”

“I was up.” I told him about Annoux’s report. “The approach is a bit controversial.”

“Why’s that?”

“Racial DNA profiling?”

“Right. So Ruben is Indian.”

“Native American. She or the child’s father.”

“Or both.”

“Yes. Why did you try to reach me?”

“I have good news.”

“You netted Ruben?”

“Not that good. I just got a call from Susan Forex. She’s unhappy with her latest boarder and wants her gone.”

“Why not simply kick her out?”

“The lady refuses to budge.”

The implication struck home.

“Better than a warrant,” I said.

“Better than a warrant,” Ollie agreed.

IN THE LATE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY, SPURRED BY COMPETITION in the fur trade, the Hudson’s Bay Company expanded westward into the Canadian interior, establishing a string of posts along the major rivers. One was built on the North Saskatchewan, at what is now Edmonton. E-town was also a player in the Klondike gold rush of the 1890s, and in the post–World War II oil boom.