The Bound Between Us

Chapter 504

No one had ever broached the subject with Anastasia before; talking about it seemed like it would only bring her more heartache. The thought of her baby having a fighting chance-one that was cruelly snatched away by an ill-timed traffic jam-was unbearable. On that fateful day, she had been in so much pain that she passed out, oblivious to the nightmare unfolding around her.

Her friend Salma was laden with guilt, lamenting, "The doctor said the baby was five months along, and if we'd gotten you to the hospital just a little sooner, they could've performed an emergency c-section. There have been success stories, haven't there? Even the tiniest infants can sometimes make it with today's medical advancements. It's all my fault for not being able to drive, for not getting you to the hospital sooner."

"How did we even end up in that traffic?" Anastasia's palms were ice-cold as a terrifying suspicion crept into her mind. She mumbled to herself, "There are two routes to the hospital; why on earth did we take the one that was jammed?"

Salma explained, "Gianna was at the wheel. She turned onto that road and only then did we realize it was backed up-some car crash had everything at a standstill. We tried to get people to make way, but it was no use." Anastasia knew the ways to the hospital from Southridge Estates like the back of her hand, both routes nearly identical in distance.

Normally, if there was an accident, the GPS would alert you, suggesting detours to avoid the affected roads.

So why hadn't Gianna taken the other route that day?

Moreover, the road where the accident occurred was usually less traveled at that hour. It was near a school and had been under construction for six months, reducing it to a narrow path that most drivers avoided.

As a gut feeling took hold, Anastasia untied her apron hastily and said, "Mom, I need to step out for a bit. Get some rest early, okay?"

you off to at this hour?" Salma

see Jason about something. I'll be back soon," Anastasia replied, slipping on her

second-hand minivan and dialed

up a case and returned home, picked

to the traffic department on Peace Avenue. I need to get some surveillance footage

that without some help, her impromptu visit to the traffic police would likely be ignored, and

Jason. Leaning on

was a brief silence on the other end before Jason responded, "Is

called a favor between friends," Anastasia countered. "I'm already en route to Peace Avenue. I'll wait

hanging up, Anastasia didn't doubt for a second

a wry smile curving his lips. It was the first

status as it was

headed out the door, making his way

saw Jason,

yet. Tell me what you need the surveillance footage for first.