The Bound Between Us

Chapter 816

Monica's voice was light and cheerful. "Yep, he's settled the whole Alisa thing. There was never anything between them-it was all her playing games."

"So he really handled it?" Anastasia laughed, sounding relieved. "Good. I won't hold you up, then. Let's do dinner this weekend-bring Jason, too."

"Absolutely, I'll let him know."

Monica hung up just as Jason walked over.

"All done? Any leads?" she asked.

Jason brushed a hand through his hair. "Victim's twenty-five, dressed up, found out past the city limits. One stab, right to the chest. Looks like someone she knew -no signs she even tried to fight back."

Monica mused, "Maybe she was meeting her boyfriend and it went bad? Crime of passion? If so, checking her friends and contacts should point us to the killer."

"If only it were that simple," Jason said. "But it doesn't line up with the serial case. Still, whoever did this used the same method. Maybe a copycat."

Normally, Jason would have Monica take a look at the scene her instincts were uncanny. But this time, the body had been soaking in water all night. The sight was enough to haunt anyone's dreams. He didn't want her anywhere near it.

them, I know it,"

talking to

weekend to thank you for helping her with Herman. But

head. "Not a big sushi fan. Let's get hotpot instead." Jason called a quick goodbye to his coworkers, then naturally

seem fazed at all-just

found out we're back together," Jason said, smiling. "She wants to meet you, officially, as my girlfriend. Then she'll finally relax. Monica, I know I dragged things out before and hurt you. From now on, I'm not

little floaty. "Why do you suddenly sound like

be all business and zero romance, grinned. "Watching Herman and Anastasia made me realize how important it is to value the people you

go eat. By the way, do you think your mom will give me a welcome gift? Big

did you get so

saying things like that, and Jason loved her for it -she was honest, never

didn't bring your mom a gift. If she gives me something, I'll feel

these days. My dad's getting jealous, always asking where she is and what she's

seen my mom so

because she has great taste," Monica said with a wink. "I like her, too. If we'd met twenty years

from a young age, running her own beauty business, meeting all kinds of people. She knew exactly why

mom, she wanted her son to end up with someone like Monica, not someone like Alisa, who came with so much