Touched by Micki’s sorrow, Sam skimmed the rest of the article, planning to read everything she could find on the case later. “If you really think you’re the missing son of this family, we could reach out to local law enforcement in Williamson County.”

“What would happen then?”

“They’d probably request DNA and run it against Mr. Rollings to see if it’s a match. That might be a good place to start.”

“But what if it doesn’t match? They’ve been through so much. I’d hate to get their hopes up.”

“That’s a very real concern and one you’ll need to weigh carefully if you’re determined to go through with this.”

“What would you do?”

Sam tried to put herself in his place. “I’d want to know, but that’s my nature. I always want to know everything. I guess that’s why I’m good at my job. I’m not satisfied until I know the truth.”

“I don’t know what to do. You saw what they said about Taylor’s mom, how she still cries when she talks about him thirty years later. What it if turns out not to be true, and I get their hopes up?”

“What if it turns out to be true? What if you’re their missing son? Think about the peace and comfort you could bring them.”

He dropped his head into his hands and sighed.

“May I ask a question?” Shelby said.

Josh raised his head to nod.

“What’s your gut telling you? I’m a big believer in trusting my gut.”

“Me too,” Sam said.

“There’s something to this,” Josh said. “I know there is. I don’t know if I’m this missing kid, Taylor, or not, but when I saw the picture? I felt like I’d been struck by lightning.”

“You should listen to that feeling,” Shelby said.

“I agree,” Sam said. “Maybe there’s a way we can test the DNA without getting the parents involved until we know there’s a match.” She flipped open her phone and scrolled through her contacts to find Dr. Lindsey McNamara’s number.

“Hey, Sam,” Lindsey said. “Heard you were off for a few days.”

“Is that how it’s being played?”

“Well, actually I heard you were suspended for punching Ramsey.”

“I still say he had it coming.”

“You won’t hear any argument from me. So what’s up?”

“I need an off-the-books favor. I have a friend who needs a DNA test done. Do you think you could come by my house and take care of that for him?”

“Um, sure. I’m leaving for lunch shortly. Could I do it then?”

“That’d be perfect. And if you could keep this between us, I’d appreciate it.”

“Of course. No problem.”

“I’ll clear you through security.”

“See you soon.”