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.

this nagging feeling—if this was for

The weekend rolled around.

home, she found Sasha sprawled on the couch, munching on potato chips and browsing through videos without a care in the world, seemingly unaffected by being cut from

finally back! I'm starving. What's on the menu

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

the bags, her voice bubbling with excitement. "You're the best, Clara. All my favorites! How about we just stick together from now on? Women need to stand by each

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

followed 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

her scrub the floor on her knees, the angrier she got. She had swallowed her pride for the sake of survival, but they had pushed her too far, framing her for tampering with props and injuring

remained downcast, she chopped the vegetables with a steady

wouldn't be targeting Sasha,