The Bound Between Us

Jason heard Anastasia's voice on the line and decided not to intrude. "Alright, you two have fun. I'm heading back to the station," he said, then hung up.

With case after case piling up, Jason felt the pressure mounting. He needed to catch the killer, or else he'd feel unworthy of his badge.

Monica saw the call end and didn't seem bothered.

Anastasia couldn't help but tease her, grinning, "Wow, that's not like you! If anyone else hung up on you like that, you'd totally drag them and block their number."

Monica shrugged. "Jason's got a lot on his plate. That psycho killer's at it again. I get it, though. Lives are on the line-until they catch him, who knows who'll be next?"

"You mean the murders by the river?" Anastasia tucked her legs under herself on the couch, cradling a mug of water. "I saw it on the news. Everyone online is freaking out—it's all anyone can talk about."

"Yeah, they found another victim this morning." Monica's eyes narrowed in frustration. "Guys who go after women like that are just pathetic. Weak, twisted cowards."

Anastasia nodded in agreement. "Women still don't get a fair shake, you know? There's no real equality. Most men, deep down, don't respect women. And let's be honest-most women aren't as strong physically. We're still the underdogs."

Sometimes you just had to admit the gap was real.

and dropping her voice. "What about you and Herman?

not remember everything from before, but things are good. Yesterday, he suggested we throw

That kid's dealt with so much. Remember how your mother-in-law used to freeze her out? Wouldn't even let her play with her siblings. It broke my heart." Monica pursed her lips. "Is your mother-in-law doing anything for Pattie's birthday?

business. It's my daughter's birthday. I'll make sure it's a

while back? Guess that was

laugh. "What, hoping for

being nosy! She acted all tough-I thought she'd really do it. I'd have been impressed

voice down," Anastasia warned with a smirk. "Let's not

fine. What about Sandy? How's Herman

are you here to

short end of the stick. Your husband let Sandy str him

careful with your words," Anastasia said with a laugh. "Nothing happened between

worried

But Sandy? Ugh. Playing at sweet and innocent, then trying to steal someone else's husband? That's low. If I were you, I'd have taught her a lesson already. Some people need to learn what shame

practically

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