The Bound Between Us

Chapter 801

Sean recognized the shards of glass right away. He knew exactly what had been inside.

He wrapped the piece in a napkin, lifted it to his nose, and sniffed carefully. Just as he suspected: cyanide.

Sandy Morton had tried to poison Herman Salstrom. She wanted him dead. But really, would it have made a difference? To the world, Herman was already gone —either as good as dead or trapped in his own body, unable to speak. Even knowing the truth wouldn't change that.

Now, Herman had simply disappeared without a sound. No one even noticed.

Sean broke out in a cold sweat. A voice echoed in his mind: Herman can't die. If he does, Sandy will be charged with murder.

Whether or not anyone ever broke this secret open, it was a ticking time bomb. Panic surging, Sean raced out the door...

***

Jason and his partner, Hank, had spent the whole night canvassing every hotel within a two-mile radius. Only one was left-the Super 8.

Anastasia Jewell had just returned from Willowbrook, but instead of going home, she met up with Jason. Now the three of them stood together on Blossom Lane, right in the middle of Night Market Street. None of them had slept a wink.

But Anastasia didn't look tired at all. She was running on pure adrenaline, focused and determined. All she wanted was to find Herman.

Jason said, "Anastasia, let's check the Super 8. If we don't find anything, we should all get some rest. We've been at this all night."

"Let's go now," Anastasia replied immediately.

Truthfully, she only heard the first part. Rest? Not a chance. As long as there was even the tiniest clue about Herman, there was no way she could go home and wait. Maybe he was out there, looking for her too. She couldn't let him wait alone.

at the receptionist. "Police. We

the counter looked startled and called for the manager. This was

came over and pulled up the guest list from the past

the records herself, checking even

course, Herman had checked in under the name George. There was

sank. "How can he not be here? Where could

losing

don't worry. If he's still in

we go public? Anastasia, you could post a missing person alert online, get everyone in town to help out. But if Herman

doesn't

If he's hiding,

all day and

words sparked an idea.

buy ever

billboard in town,"

said. "I'll put

I'mdooking for him. He'll come

haystack when she could just become

her resources, buying up every LED ad in Riverdale was

Within the hour, the city's biggest

money could

stops, taxi ads, mall screens—even

recorded a short video, her voice low and sincere: "Honey, I'm still waiting for you to come home. I know you're out there. I miss you so