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.

dropping her voice. "What about you

before, but things are good. Yesterday, he suggested we throw a birthday party for Pattie when she turns eight-and finally

with her siblings. It

smiled. "Whatever she does, that's her business. It's my daughter's birthday. I'll

while back? Guess that

laugh. "What, hoping for

tough-I thought she'd really

with

about Sandy?

"What, are you here to gather

want you getting the short end of the stick. Your

words," Anastasia said with a

not worried about

someone else's husband? That's low. If

practically

up and all,