Morning-Noon-and-Night - By Sidney Sheldon Page 0,41

don't understand about this DNA.' Perry Winger cleared his throat.

"Simply put, deoxyribonucleic acid - or DNA - is the molecule of heredity. It contains each individual's unique genetic code., it be extracted from traces of blood, semen, saliva, hair roots, and even bone. Traces of it can last in a corpse for more than fifty years." see. So it is really quite simple,' Marc said. Perry Winger frowned.

"Believe me, it is not. There are two types of DNA testing. A PCR test, which takes three days to get results, and the more complex RFLP 159 test, which takes six to eight weeks. For our purposes, the simpler test will be sufficient." do you do the test?' Kendall asked. ' are several steps. First, the sample is collected and the DNA is cut into fragments. The fragments are sorted by length by placing them on a bed of gel and applying an electric current. The DNA, which is negatively charged, moves toward the positive and, several hours later, the fragments have arranged themselves by length.' He was just getting warmed up. ' chemicals are used to split the DNA fragments apart, then the fragments are transferred to a nylon sheet, which is immersed in a bath, and radioactive probes -' The eyes of his listeners were beginning to glaze over. ' accurate is this testt Woody interrupted. ''s one hundred percent accurate in deteriniffing if the man is not the father. If the test is positive, it's ninety-nine point nine percent aecurate. Woody turned to his brother. ', you're a judge. Let's say for the sake of argument that she really is Harry Stanford's child. Her mother and our father were never married. Why should she be entitled to anything?" the law,' Tyler explained, 'if our father's paternity is established, she would be entitled to an equal share with the rest of us." I say let's go ahead with the damned DNA test and expose her!' 160 0",Tyler, Woody, Kendall, Marc and Julia were seated a table in the dining-room restaurant at the Tremont House. Peggy remained behind at Rose Hill. ' this talk about digging up a body gives me the creeps,' she said. Now the group was facing the woman claiming to -be Julia Stanford. 11 don't understand. what you're asking me to do."'s really very simple,' Tyler informed her. ' doctor will take a skin sample from you to compare with our father's. If the DNA molecules match, it's positive proof that you're really his daughter. On the other hand, if you're not willing to take the test ..

"I ... I don't like it.' Woody closed in. ' nott ' don't know.' She shuddered. ' idea of digging up my father's body to ... to ..." prove who you are.' She looked into each of their faces. ' wish all of you would - '?"'s no way I can convince you, is theret '," Tyler said. ' to take this test.' There was a long silence. ' right. I'll do it.' t The exhumation order had been more difficult to obtain than anyone had anticipated. Simon Fitzgerald had spoken to the coroner personally. 161 '! For God's sake, Simon! I can't do that! Do you know what a stink that would cause? I mean, we aren't dealing with John Doe here; we're dealing with Harry Stanford. If this ever leaked out, the media would have a field day!", this is important.

Billions of dollars are at stake here. So you make sure it doesn't leak out."'t there some other way you can ... T ''m afraid not. The woman is very convincing.' .'But the family is not convinced."." you think she's a fraud, Simont ', I don't know. But my opinion doesn't matter. In fact, none of our opinions matters. A court will demand proof, and the DNA test will provide that.' The coroner shook his head. ' knew old Harry Stanford. He would have hated this. I really shouldn't let ...' - ' you will.' The coroner sighed. ' suppose so.

Would you do me a favort ' course." this quiet. Let's not have a media circus." have my word. Top secret. I'll have just the family there." do you want to do thist ' would like to do it on Monday.' 162 The coroner sighed again. ' right. I'll call the neral home. You owe me one, Simon." won't forget this.' At nine o'clock Monday morning, the entrance to the section of Mount Auburn Cemetery where Harry Stanford's