The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

The file laid everything out: Granny Anita's final moments, the expression frozen on her face, the location of the stab wounds, and Anastasia's statement to the police.

The young officer shook his head, "What's so surprising about it? She must've hated Granny Anita, Jason. Think about it—a baby, five months along, just gone. Of course, she'd be raging. In a moment of passion, anyone could do something drastic. Isn't that what you always say?"

Jason, ever the stickler for procedure, had already scanned the report. "Kid, you're a quick study. But I don't take apprentices, so save your flattery." He muttered to himself, "This first strike is way off, erratic. It screams that the perp was extremely emotional, a rookie. The first cut wasn't even that deep. But the second one? That's brutally precise. It's overkill." Usually, the first blow is the most ferocious, but the report said otherwise.noveldrama

The young officer pointed out, "Jason, this case is closed, and it involves the Salstroms. You don't want to mess with them. You've already butted heads with the Salstroms before. Let's not stir the pot. The perp confessed, there's a motive, the murder weapon, and solid evidence."

Jason set the file down, "This is what I call reasonable doubt. The simplest cases often have the most issues. File it, but I'm not convinced."

The officer, holding the file, hesitated, "Jason, are you saying there's a real issue? Could there be someone else? Should we reopen the case?" Jason clapped the young man on the shoulder, "You said it yourself the Salstroms are trouble. Let's not make more for ourselves. Just file it."

With that, Jason strode toward the door, then paused, "Where are they holding Anastasia?"

"Cell 3."

Jason pocketed his hands and walked over to cell number three. Peering through the narrow window, he could only see a woman curled up on the bed, her sobs barely audible. When Anastasia lifted her head, her haggard but delicate face came into view, and Jason's eyes flickered with surprise.

It was her.

His hand instinctively reached for the iron door. She was Herman's wife. He clenched his fist and then turned to leave.

Back in the office, Jason asked the young officer for a copy of the file.

The officer hesitated, "Jason, this isn't right. If the higher-ups find out, I'm a dead man."

Jason shot him a look, "Would you rather die now, or later?"

With trembling hands, the officer handed over the documents, "Just don't rat me out. Only you, me, and the big guy upstairs know about this."

"Quit your yapping," Jason said, taking the copies and leaving.

...

Herman was still unconscious in the ICU, and Katelyn had been keeping vigil at the hospital, her eyes nearly cried out.

Flynn had gone to Southridge Estates to inform Salma of the incident. Upon learning of Herman's predicament, Salma's feelings were mixed. When the Salstroms asked her to move out of the villa with Pattie, she had no objections and returned to their old rental home that very day.

Flynn had said Anastasia would be home in three days, so Salma waited patiently.

Pattie, still too young to grasp the situation, watched Salma cleaning and asked, "Grandma, does daddy not want me and mommy anymore?"

Salma didn't know how to respond. Pausing her chores, she said, "Pattie, mommy and daddy are divorced. You'll understand when you're older. You'll live with grandma and mommy from now on. Mommy will be back in a couple of days. Just don't mention daddy around her, okay? It would make her very sad."

Pattie nodded, half understanding, "Mommy's coming back?"

"Yes, in just a couple of days," Salma reassured her, dabbing at the corner of her eye.

"I'll help you clean, Grandma," Pattie offered eagerly. "I'll clean the windows. When mommy comes home and sees the house all nice and clean, she'll be happy."

Salma felt a surge of pride. "You're such a good girl, Pattie."