A small label on the tab read RENATA, followed by a date from four years earlier.

“You are making this much harder than it needs to be,” she said.

“Then show me the order.”

Carmen opened the folder and removed a photocopy.

She held it by the corners, as if the paper might tear, and placed it in front of me.

I read the name listed as Renata’s biological mother.

Then I took the cream envelope from my coat and checked the reference line again.

The names did not match.