The arrogant façade had dissolved, allowing a glimpse of the tortured soul beneath. ‘It’s useful for elimination purposes.’ Kira’s mother sat on the sofa, clasping and unclasping her hands, occasionally looking up at her husband as though for guidance, which was never forthcoming. Mr Reese-Brandon finally gave in and slumped down beside her. ‘OK, let’s get it over with.’ Rhona produced the mouth swabs. Kira’s mother looked as though she might burst into tears at any moment and her husband was grimly silent, but both of them submitted to swabbing. When it was over, Reese-Brandon quickly rose. ‘Now can I get back to work?’ ‘Can you spare a few more minutes? I wanted to ask you both a couple of questions about the doll your wife bought.’ His pale face flushed. ‘What doll?’ ‘Your wife told us she purchased a Reborn doll, made to look like Kira as a baby.’ Reese-Brandon turned on his wife. ‘I told you not to do that. I forbade it.’ She cringed. ‘You were unaware she had bought the doll?’ said Rhona.
