The bailiff ushered in the next witness. The magistrate proceeded with the inquiry.
"State your name for the record."
"Tara Mendez," she said, her voice steady.
"And your relation?"
"I was the wife of Troy Mendez. Mother to Therese. And…" her voice faltered, then steadied again. "…to Tristan."
The collective whispers were louder than Tara's voice. Tara placed both her hands together to keep them from trembling. She looked at Therese's for quiet approval.
The magistrate's tone was formal. "Do you acknowledge the testimony of Anna Suarez?"
Tara's throat worked. She glanced toward Tristan, then toward Terry. Her eyes lingered on Terry with something like sorrow.
The judge asked, "You stand as a wife to Troy Mendez. Speak truth on oath. Did you know that Terry was not your son?"
