No Strings Attached

Brodie could recall with crystal clarity the days when Clara used to prance around in her overalls and her hair in pigtails. On her back was a birthmark resembling a petal, identical to the one she had. The little girl would often tell him that if they ever got separated, he could find her just by looking for that mark.

Brodie's brow furrowed slightly. Life couldn't possibly be that coincidental.

But then again, considering the string of bizarre incidents Clara had been entangled in lately, he couldn't help but entertain the notion that she might have been switched at birth.

He masked his concern with a nonchalant tone. "Alright, I'll look into it when I get back."

Chief Fox raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You're agreeing just like that? They want to meet you over dinner, and you should know the specifics."

"No need. I've got a better idea of what's going on than they do," Brodie said, grabbing his things and making a swift exit.

nagging feeling—if this was for real, Clara might

The weekend rolled around.

a care in the world, seemingly unaffected by being cut from the cast. Upon seeing Clara, Sasha

back! I'm starving. What's

bags before Sasha's eyes, "Sauerkraut ribs, spicy crab, braised pork belly, plus a few side

her voice bubbling with excitement. "You're the best, Clara. All my favorites! How about we just stick together from

in the sink, she said, "Look at the mess you're in because of me. Of course, I've got to

Clara into the kitchen. "Even if Heidi hadn't booted me from the show, I was so done with it. The lead actress, Sonya, was making my life hell, constantly making me run her errands. Do you know who she really is? Heidi's cousin. They're all in cahoots,

got. She had swallowed her pride for the sake of survival, but they had

she chopped the vegetables with a

her, Heidi wouldn't be targeting Sasha,